
Qass__^_- _ 



r:ro 






SACRED TROPOLOGY:': 

OR, 

A BRIEF VIEW OF. THE FIGURES, 

AND 

EXPLICATION OF THE METAPHORS, 

CONTAINED IN SCRIPTURE. 

By JOHN BROWN, 

MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT HADDINGTON 



John v. 39. Search the Scriptures.—— Hofea xii. 10 I have 
ufed SIMILITUDES, by the miniflry of the Prophets. 



Honoon: 

8 

PRINTED TOR W. BAYNES, NO. 54 PATERNOSTER- ROW. 






"E&5* 1 



K. niCHARDSOK, 
»AlM£Jt 4 BfiRYVieKt 



PREFACE. 



THE advantage of a clear, comprehenfive, and regu- 
lar view of the figures, the types, and the predic- 
tions of fcripture, is obvious. By the first, we mark 
the furprifmg eloquence of Heaven, and difcern almoft 
every form in nature, a guide to, an illuftrator of infpired 
truth. By the second, we perceive the whole fubftance 
of the gofpel of Chrift truly exhibited in ancient Iha- 
dows, perfons, and things ; in laws apparently carnal and 
trifling. In the thib_d, we obferve how aftonifhingly in- 
fpired predictions properly arranged, with the hiftory of 
nations and churches, do illuflrate each other ; and mo- 
dern events, as with the evidence of miracles, confirm our 
faith in the oracles of God. 

The fubfequent meditations relate to the figures of 
facred writ. To avoid too peremptory parallels; to a- 
waken devotion, they are call into the prefent form. The 
emblems, whofe fignification appeared uncertain or diver- 
sified, are repeated under different heads. To fhun inter- 
fering with types, many rich emblems, as of Zion, 
priests, Zsfc. are wholly omitted or but (lightly touched. 
To fhun a tirefome length, and a finking dulnefs, what 
was juft before hinted on a fimilar emblem, is not feldom 
pafled over •, and the hiftory of emblems is left to be col- 
lected from the account of the objects they reprefent ; 
nor on this is ought but hints offered, and the enlarge- 
ment is left to the reader's own meditation. What friendly 
indulgence is requifite to pardon miftakes, the perufer 
rmifl judge. Meanwhile, it is hoped, he will remember, 
the efpial of faults is much eafier work than to avoid 
them. 



CONTENTS, 



BOOKI. 

A general view of the FIGURES of fcripture language ', 
P a ge 5, 14. 

BOOK II. 

Explication of METAPHORS refpebling PERSONS, viz. 
God, page 14. — Chrifl, 41. — jfe ffo/y G^g/?, ill. — 
Holy angels, 119. — Fallen angels, 1 21. — .M^ in general, 
1 27. — Saints, 1 40. — Wicked men, 1 86. — Faithful miniflers, 
211. — i*fl^ teachers, 225. — 7#* true churchy 231. — C<?r- 
r«£/ churches, Antichrifl, 252. — Natio?is, Jews, Egyptians, 
Afyrians, Chaldeans, Perftahs, Greeks, Romans, Tyrians, Sa- 
racens, Turks ; armies, families, 258. 

BOOK III. 

Explication of METAPHORS respetling THINGS, viz. 
God's purpofe and providence, 290.- — Covenants of works and 
grace, 294. — Word of God, 299. — Law and gofpel, 308. — 
Gospel-difpenfation and ordinances, 3 1 9 — God's favour, and 
gifts of change of fate and nature, jtftif cation,, Janclif cation, 
fellow/hip with God, 328.- — Saving grace,, faith, hope, love, 
repentance, -zeal, humility /and exercife of grace, 341. — Sin. in 
its fate, courfe, kinds, temptations . 357. — Frofperity, fpiritual 
cr temporal, 382.. — Adver/ity, 385. — Human life, 396. — 
Opportunities of doing good, 399. — Death, 402. — The refur- 
reclion, 405. — The day of judgment, 407. — This world) 409. 
—The fate of glory in heaven, jn.—ITell, 415. 



SACRED TROPOLOGY 



BOOK L 

CONCERNING THE FIGURES OF SCRIPTURE-LANGUAGE 

IN GENERAL. 

IN the manner of the Eaft, the language of infpifation 
abounds with the mod Unking and initru&ive figures. 
In noble and candid fimplicity ; in bold allufion, not 
all the writings of men can vie with thefe oracles of Hea- 
ven. Here, as one would expert in the idiom of God- 
head, the principal truths are brought down to the weak* 
eft capacity, that ignorance may have nothing to plead 
for excufe; others, chiefly predictions, are often wrapped 
up in figures, obfcure and hard to be understood: thus, 
till the fulfilment, the learned is forced to acknowledge 
his ignorance, and the malicious oppofer rendered inca- 
pable to ft op the predicted event. 

The figures of facred language are either fimple, or 
.complex. The former, without changing the native fenfe 
of the words, embellim the {tile; enliven the reprefenta- 
tions ©r illuftrate the fnbjecl : the latter, while they en- 
noble the ftile, and illuftrate the fubjeet, do alfo convert 
the terms from their ordinary fignification, to another 
connected therewith. 

Simple figures are, i. A Repetition of the fame tern* 
or phrafe'; whether in the fame, or in different fentences 
of a chapter, or ft&ion ; as of my, Pfal. xviii. I, — 3; my 
God, Pfal. xxii. 1; my help, Pfal. exxi. 1, 2 — whatfo- 
ever things are, Phil. iv. 4; his mercy endureth for e- 
ver, Pfal. exxxvi. ; Lord our Lord, Sec Pfal. viii. t, 9, 
2. Diversifying of the fenfe, while the found is near- 
ly retained. Thus, Walk in the fbm ; and war after 
the fkfh ; agree pretty much in found, but differ vaftiy 
in fenfe. 3. Changing the fenfe of a term, in the fame 
{entence. Thus good, in Matt, xix, l6 t iignifies, firft, 

A 



6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

what is good ami ufeful, in a limited fenfe ; and then, 
what is infinitely, and originally good: fruit of the vine, 
TvTatth. xxvi. 29. both fignifies natural wine raid eternal 
happincfs. 4. Conformation of the found of the terms, 
to the mournful, the joyful, the terrible, deteflable, or 
amiable nature of the fubj.cl. Thus the portion of the 
wicked is defcribedin words founding forth terror, PfaL 
si. 5, 6. 5 Outcries of admiration, abhorrence deiifion, 
commendation, wifhing, pity, joy, grief; as, How great is 
his gocdnefs! Zech. ix. 17. O wretched man thrt 1 am ! 
&x. Rom. vii. 24. O woman great is thy faith! Matth. 
xv. 28. 6. Corrections of what was juft before afTertedj 
as, Yet not 1, but Chrift iiveth in me, Gal. ii. 20. Yet not 
I, but the grace of God, 1 Cor. xv. io. 7. In promifes 
the reward ; and efpccially what is terrible in a threaten- 
ing, conn plaint, or oath; is fome times partly SUPPRESSES?; 
as, He (hail be chief and c?.ptain, 2 8am. v. 8. I will 
drive him out, Gen. iii. 22. Wilt thou cnit me off? Pi'aJ. 
vi. 3. Let me ceafe to exifr, if I lie, pf?J. Lxxxix. 35. 8. 
Interrupting ADDRESSES: as of Nchemiah ;o God, chap* 
]v. 4, 5 ; of God, by Joel, to the Hebrews, ch^p. ii. 12. 
j^; of David to the mountains of Gilboa; to the daugh- 
ters of Ifrael ; to Jonathan, 2 Sam, i. 21. 24, 2^> 2 ^. 
o. Introdection offpeeches realor feigned : as. of the 
chofen ruler of Judah Ifa. iii. 7; of their women, Ifa ir« 
I : of the fir-trees, and the dead, Ifa. xiv. 8, 9; of hell 
and deftrii&ion, Jobxxviii. 22. When thefe fpetches are 
wicked, they are fqmetJmes cxprefled, not as uttered by 
'the author, but ?,s tht-y truly meant. Tins {inful means 
of relief are called, a covenant with hell, and agreement 
with death, If?, xxviii 15 ; flattering prophecies are cal- 
led deceits, ifa. xxx« 10: falfe witnefles are caUed fons of 
Eelial, 1 Kings xxi. 10. jo. Questions, expufEve <>f 
abfurdity, v onder, doubt, demonftration, expoftulatic:>, 
anger,infultj grief, negation, pity, defire, refufal prohi- 
bition: as, Mow can a man be born when he is ole? John 
iii. 4. Mew excellent is thy loving-kindnefs! Pial. xxxvi. 
7. Shall S^rah, that is ninety years old bear? Gen. 
2.vii. 17. Is any thing too hard tor the Lord? Gen. xviii. 
14, g£c. 11. Appeals to thefe argued againftj as, of the 
aaoJUea to the Jtwifli rulers, A els iv. 10; of Paul to the 



Of the figures of scriplure-langitage hi general. 7 
G^latians, chap. iii. 2. 12. Retortion, or throwing 
back an accufatioa or obje&ion on the flarter of it. Bo 
God throws b'Hck thechargeof inj aftice on the J. , ws,who 
charged him with it, Ezek. xviii; the Syrophenician wo- 
man pleads the character of a dog, thrown out againlt 
her, as an argument for mercy, Matth. x\ r . 26, 27: to 
repel the queitionby what authority he acled,Jefus pofed 
the inquirers, Whether the Baptifm of John was from 
heaven, or of men? Matth xkl. 23,-25. 13. Preven- 
tion of objections, by anfwering them before they ara 
flatted: thus the objection of God's deferting his church, 
is prevented, Ifa, xlix 14, 15. 14. A.n apparent yielding 
of what an oppofer pleads, inorder to mew its abfurdity; 
or its infufficiency toeftablilh the point in dilpute. So 
Paul grants thejews to have great-knowledge of thelaw; 
and a capacity to inftru£t others; in order to mew them,' 
how their fin in breaking the law was aggravate, Rom. ii. 
*7» — 2 4« James grants the ungodly profeffer, that he 
had faith; but ihews that the devils alfo believed and 
trembled, Jam. ii. 19. 15. Assignation of the reafon 
of an aclion or name. Thus Paul was not afhamed of the 
gofpel, becaufe it was the power of God for falvation to 
believers; and it was fo, becaufe therein the rigateoufriefs 
of God was revealed, Rom. i. 16, 17. Tne law filences 
and condemns ail men, becaufe by it is the knowledge of 
fin; and therefore by the deeds of it, mall no flefli be ja- 
ftitied, Rom. iii. 19, 20. No man can be faved by the 
law; becaufe it worketh wrath in our corrupt nature a- 
gainft God, and condemns us to his j aft wrath, Rom. iv. 
j 4, 15. 16. Lively descriptions which, as it were, pre- 
sent the objects, to our eyes, and other fenfes; as, of To- 
phet, lfa xxx. 33; ofGoliah, 1 Sam.xvii. 4—6 ; of God's 
companion Jer. xxxi.20. Bof.xi. 7, 3. 17. Digressions ; 
wherein the fpeaker for a time turns ancle from his imme- 
diate fubje£t, and defcants upon an objscl, occafionally 
mentioned. Thus the apoltles oft turn aiide to difcourfe 
concerning Jefus Chrift: as Rev, i. 5,— -8. Col. i. 14.— 22. 
18. Transitions; wherein one part of the fentence re- 
fpe£ts what went before; andanother win t follows- Thus, 
Covet earneftly the bed gifts, refpetb what precedes-; 
and, i (hew youa mare excellent way, what follows, iCar. 

A2 



8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

xii. 3* T 9- Contrasts; wherein fubje&s difHmilar are 
compared in order to mark clearly the nature value, or 
unworthlhefs of the one: fcrthe condition of the wicked 
is contrafted with that of the righteous, Pfal. i. Goa'3 
kindnefs,and mens uufraitfulnefs and wiekednefs,are con- 
trailed, Ifa. v. i, — 4. Men, and the Holy Ghoft, are con- 
traded, A£s v. 4. 20 Comparison of things, like or 
unlike, in order to argue from the one to the other. Thus 
Chrift argues from the lefTer to the greater, Matth. vi. 
3c, and vii. 11; and that God is to be feared rather than 
men, Matth x. 28 2 1. Induction; wherein compound 
things are reprefented in their various parts And here, 
there is generally an afcending as to the object, or the lan- 
guage. Thus the defdlation of a country is defcribed 
from the cafe of the fields, the inhabitants, people, prieft, 
fervant, matter, feller, buyer, &cc. Ifa xxiv. 1,-3. God's 
Jaft judgment is reprefented in his rewarding the righte- 
ous, andpuniihing the wicked, Rom. ii. 6, — §■ The re- 
furrecVion h defcribed, as partly to happinefs, and partly 
to damnation, John v. 28, 29. ChriU's iiate is defcribed, 
from the debafed and exalted circumitances thereof, Phil. 
i. 6, — 10, Thus the fin, or the judgment of men, 
5s often defcribed in a variety of particulars, Ezek*xxii. 
and xxiii 22. Crowding of various qualities or things 
into one fentence; as, of facrifkes rams, bullocks, lambs, 
he goats, vain oblations, new moons, Sabbaths, aiTemblie s, 
Ifa.i. 11, 13,14? of foreknowledge, predefiinntion, call- 
ing, jollification, glorification, Rom. viii.29,30. 23 Re- 
doubled representations ; wherein objects are repre- 
sented, firit more obfeurcly, and then more plainly ; as, 
Hear the right; attend to my cry; give ear to my pray, 
er, Pfal. xvii. 1 ; water and the lpirii,John iii. 5. Thy 
iilver is be come drofs, thy wine is mixt with water; thy 
princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves, iia. i, 
us,. 23. 1%. Circumlocutions; wherein for raode^y, 
or to iweeteu or heighten the lang-nage, the proper name 
i>i an object is avoided, and an indirect defcription given 
5n its Head. So a chamber-pot is called a vcffel wherein 
there is no plenfure, Jer. xxii. 28. Urine is called the 
waters of the feet, 2 Kings xyiii. 27. Heb. Death is call- 
ed the l;ing of terrors, job xviii. 14. 25. References ; 



Of the figures of fcripture- language in genera!' $ 
wherein the words, or fenfe of another fpeaker, or writer, 
are quoted, or alluded to. Here the words are fometimes 
quoted in a fenfe they did not originally feem to bear; 
and fometimcs the terms or the fenfe of divers pallages 
are conjunctly quoted into one. — Quotations or ailuflans 
abound in the New Teftament, Matth. i. 23, and xxi. 
4, 5. Ads vii. 43, Sec. &c. 

Complex ffgiirts are, metonymy ; fynechdoche ; mei- 
olis ; hyperbole; irony; metaphor. 

By metonymy, the n?.me of one object. is given to a- 
nother, becaule of fome connection, not fimilitude, be- 
twixt them. Thus, r. The name of the matter, the au- 
thor, the caufe, or instrument, is given to what is pro- 
duced from, or by it : or the name of the effect is given 
to the author, caufe, or inilrument. Thus the wood u\ 
the houfes and furniture of J erufalesn, is called a foreit, 
Jer. xxi. 14 ; the temple, for its plenty of Cedar-wood 
that grew in Lebanon, is called Lebanon, Zech. xi. I ; 3 
heavenly frame is called the Spirit, Rev. i. ic ; the name 
of a father, as of Jacob, Moab, Sec. is given to his po- 
iterity, Ifa. xliii. 22; a t'eflimony is called the mouth, 
Deut xvii. 6 ; fpeech is called the tongue, Prov. xxv. 
15 ; the benefits God beftows are called his love, t Joha 
fti. 1. Contratiwife, Chnit is called falyation, becaufe 
the author of it. Gen. xlix. 18 ; Efau taking Canaani- 
tifti wives is called a grief, i. e. a caufe of grief, Gen. 
xxvi. 35 ; the gofpel is called the power of "God, i. e. the 
inftrument, of exerting it, Rom. i. 16; victory over the 
world is called faith, as faith obtains it, 1 John v. 4 ; 
the tranfgreffion of Ifrael is called Samaria ; and the 
high places of Judah, Jerufalem : becaufe thefe cities 
chiefly promoted wickednefs and idolatry, Mic. i. 5. 
wifdom and knowledge are called (lability, becaufe they 
are the means of it, Ifa. xxxiii. 6. 2. The name of 3 
fubject is given to its adjunct j and of an adjunct to its 
fabject. Thus a city, a country, the earth, the werld, 
is put for the inhabitants thereof, Jer. iv. 29. Gen. vi. 
11 ; a cup for what is contained in it, 1 Cor. xi. 25. 
This cup, &c. Pfal. xxiii. 4 : a neft for the pullets in it, 
Deut, xxxii. 11 ; the heart, for the defires, or other 
things contained in it ; Pfal. Ixii, 8, Pour out your hearts; 

A3 



10 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

The r.sme of a poffeffor, is given to what is pofTeffed ; 
fo Chrift's people are called himfelf, Matth. xxv. 31. 
1 Cor. xii. 12 ; fo the Lord; i. e. what offerings belong- 
ed to him, is called Levi's inheritance, Dent. x. 9. The 
name of the thing fignified is given to the fign : fo the 
wine in the Lord's fupper is called Chrift's blood, or 
the New Teftament in it, Matth. xxvi. 26; and of the 
irgn to the thing £gnified ; the fovereign rule is called a 
fceptre, Gen, xlix. is. The name of the quality is gi- 
ven to its fubjecl ; fo a fcarlet and criinfon coloured thing 
is called fcarlet and crimfon, Ifa. i. 18. The name of 
what is contained, is given to what contains it ; fo fields 
are called the upper and nether fprings, Jofn. xv. 19. 
2. Names are put for the perfon or things named ; fo 
the name of Chrift, or of God, oft fignifies precifely 
Chrift, or God himfelf, Aclsiv. 12. Deut. xxviii. 58.4, 
Ferfens and things are named according to appearance, 
not reality : fo angels are called men, Gen, xviii. ; Sa- 
tan is called Samuel, 1 Sum xxviii. 14, — 20: erfor is 
called a gofpel, Gal. i 6. 

Ey synecdoche, j. More univerfal terms are put for 
fuch as are more reftricled : as all, for many : for all 
kinds , for the greater or better part, Matth. iii. 5, and 
xix : 28 ; the world, for the Roman empire, the Gentiles, 
the wicked, the Antichriftians, Luke ii. 1. 1 John ii. 2. 
and v. 18 Rev. xiii. 8 ; every creature, for men, Mark 
Xvi. 15 ; or the plural number for the fingular, as chil- 
dren for child, Gen. xxi. 7. a. More reitricled terms 
are put for fuch as are more extenfive: as, one for all of 
the kind, Pfal. i. 1 ; yefterday, tor lime paft, Heb. xiii. 
8 ; a limited number, as thrice, feven times, for frequent- 
ly, 4 Cor. xii. 85 Pfal. cxix. 164 : £ve, a thoufmd, for 
an uncertain number, Ifa. xxx. 17. 3. A whole perfon, 
thing, place, or time, is put for an adjuncl or part of it. 
So Cnrift is faid to die ; to be buried; when only his 
body died, and was bu'ied, John xix. 42, and ii. 13; 
world is put for Canaan, Pvom. iv. 13 ; north, fer Caldea, 
Jer. i. 13 ; for ever, ior a long time, Dan. ii. 4. 4. A 
part of a perfon, thing, place, or time, is put for the 
whole of it, So fouls denote human perfons, Acls ii. 41 ; 



Gf the figures of fcripturs- language in general, *i 
refurrection is put for Ghrift's whofe appearance in cur 
nature, Acbi. 22 ; hour for a period of time, John iv. 23. 

By meiosis, a great deal kfs isexprefTed, than is real- 
ly lignified. Thus, in the negative precepts, much more 
isintended, than is literally exprelT^d, Exod. x.x. 3, — 17. 

By hyperbole, things are reprefented, as far more m- 
lignificant, great, glorious, or numerous than they really 
are. So the Hebrew fpiesare reprefented a sg raff- hoppers, 
Numb. xli. ^ ; the top of a tower or wall is faid to 
reach to heaven, Gen. xi. 4 ; the hiftories of all GhrifVs 
works could not be contained, rather perufed, by- the 
world, John xxi. 25 ; the Ifraelites are reprefented as 
in number like to the fand on the fea fhore, or dull of the 
earth, Gen. xiii. 16 : fo contentions are called wars, Jain, 
iv. 1 ; plenty of milk, honey, and butter, or oil, is repre- 
fented as rivers of it, Job xx'ix. 6 ; Saul and Jonathan 
are reprefented as fwifter than eagles, and ftronger than 
lions. The terms of this figure mult always be under- 
ftood with due limitation. 

By irony, the terms are uttered with fuch an air, or 
other circumftance, as makes them bear a fignificatioa 
quite contrary to their common one : as, Let them, the 
falfe gods, rife up and help you, Deut. xxxii. 38. Blefs 
God, and die, Job ii. 12. Rejoice, O young man, &c. 
Keel, xi, 9. Sleep on now, Sec Match xxvi 45. Cry a- 
loud; for he is a God, Sec 1 Kings xviii. 27. Go up 
and profper ; for the Lord, &c. 1 Kings xxii 15 When 
the irony is extremely fharp and reproachful, it is called 
a farcafm, as a goodly price, Sec Zech. xi. 13 ; How 
glorious was the king of Ifra^i to-day ! 1 Sim. vi. 2c. 
He trufted in God, Pfal. xxi*. 8. 

By metaphor, the names, qualities, and actions, pro- 
per to fame perfons or things, are afcribed to ot ler per- 
fons or things ; becaufe of fome likenefs between them* 
Thefe of rational beings, are afcribed to other rational 
beings ; fo Satan is called a God ; :ni niters, angels &c. 
Thefe of inanimate things ; fo God s purpof- or g >fpel 
is called a foundation, &c. Thefe of living creatures, 
to things without life : fo the creation is faid to groan, 
to travail, to will, Sec. Thefe of things without life, 
to fuch as have it : fo Chriil is called a way. a doer, the 



12 sacred tropology. 

truth, &c — That by comparing the volumes of nature 
with the oracles of God, we may be alway, and every 
where, furrounded with fpiritual monitors, no figure is 
more frequent than this : nor is there almoft any thing 
in nature, from whence it is not drawn. Particularly, 
I. From rational beings: as God, holy angels, devils, 
chiefly from men; in their PARTS, foul, body, fieih, blood, 
bones, head, face, eyes, ears, nofe, mouth, cheeks, locks, 
hair, neck, moulder, back, belly, hands, loins, bowels, 
navel, bofom, knees, legs, feet ; in their relations, 
marriage, hufband, fpoufe, men, women, virgins, young 
men, fathers, mothers, fons, daughters, children, babes, 
widows, mailers, fervants, kings, judges, captains, fub- 
lecls, fo-Idiers, army, fhepherds, teachers, merchants, 
Canaanites, Arabians, Sodom, Gomorrah, Babylon, E- 
gypt; in their adjuncts, life, health, ftreng.th, beauty, 
wound, ficknefs, ieannefs, lamenefs, blindnefs, plague, 
confumption, death, burial; and in their sensations of 
feeing, hearing, fmelling, fading, feeling, hunger, thrift ; 
with their relatives, comely, green, red, white, black* 
ugly, fweet, bitter, loath feme, hard, foft *, in their acn 
TIons, eat, drink, ftay : Hand, walk, run, gird, care, fight, 
Ileal, rob, beget, &c. 2. From beasts, fowls, birds, 
eagles, pelicans, owls, doves, hens, fparrbws, flies, bees, 
locufls, grafshoppers, lions, unicorns, leopards, bears, 
boars, wolves, foxes, hinds, harts, roes, goats, kids, horfe, 
bullock?, kine, heifers, a(Tes, wild alTes, dromedaries, dogs, 
fwine, fheep, rams, lambs, dragons, ferpents, afps, vi- 
pers, fcorpions, worms, fpiders, fifties : with their ad- 
juncts, tail, horns, tee'h, wings, fcales, Ring, fat, milk : 
and actions to bite, fling, fwallow, tear, fly,. &.c. 3. 
From things celeftial, heaven, firmament, light, fun, 
moon, ftars> clouds, vapour fhadow, darknefs, rain, dew, 
wind, hail, fnow, thunder* tempeft, lightening, rainbow, 
&.c. 4. From fire, flame, coal, brand, ftwel, furnace, 
fmoke, light, heat, burning. 5. From liquid fubftances, 
water, fea, fountain, rivers, dreams, brooks, ciilerns, 
channels, banks, flowing, overflowing, breaking our, 
dropping, f welling, honey, wine, oil, &c. 6. From 
tilings earthly, dull, fand, mountains, hills, Carmel, Le- 
banon, Sharon, Baihan, earth, rocks, dens, deeps, pits. 



Of the figures of f crip f tire- language in general. 1 3 
valleys, fields, gardens, ways, deferts, dirt, dung, ir^nes, 
gold, filver, brafs, iron, tin, lead, carbuncles, agates, a- 
damants, fardine, fapphire, jafper, Emerald, jewels nitre, 
brimltane, fait, pearl, woods, trees, cedars, £rs, oaks, 
tyles, Shittahs, palms, apple- trees, pomegranates, myr- 
tles, olives, vines, thorns, briers, flowers, myrrh, cam* 
phire, fpikenard, cinnamon, lilies, wormwood, nettles, 
grafs, corn, feed, root, leaves, branches, buds, plants, 
fruit, mandrakes, apples, grapes, wheat, barley, chaff, 
plowing, (owing, planting, reaping, thre-ming, winnow- 
ing, lifting, grinding, hatveft, vintage, grape-treading, 
leaven, bread, earthquake, &c. 7. From human accom- 
modations and utenfils, kingdom, nation, country, city, 
houfe, chamber, foundation, wall, pillar corner, window; 
gate, door, bed, bar, beam, rafter, gallery, fort, prifon, 
grave, food, feaft, fupper,morfel, table, veflll, cover, gar- 
ment, girdle, yoke, bond, cord, rope, mirror, rod, armour, 
fword, iheath, fnield, fpear, helmet, bow, arrows, quiver, 
ftaff, chariot, bridle, race, prize, price, fpoil, meafuro 
balances, weights, feales, wealth, treafure, inheritance, 
debt, wages, hand writing, tefiamsnt, crown, fcf ptre, 
throne, guard, fhip, nail, hammer, net. 8. From dura- 
tion of time, year, month, week, day, night, watch of 
the night, morning, noon, evening, hour, moment. 9. 
From Old Teilament types and New Teilament inftitu- 
tions, as from Adam, David, Solomon, Ifrael, priefts, 
Levites, Canaan, Jerufaiem, Zion, tabernacle, temple, 
holy of holies, altar, mercy-feat, facrinces, firfi-fruits, 
cxrcumcilion, fprinkling of blood, anointing with oil, new 
moons, pafibver, feait of tabernacles, baptifm, &c. 

To underfland metaphors, it mutt be cbferved, that 
the foundation thereof is LIKENEsS between the thing 
whence the metaphor is drawn, and that to which it is 
applied. "When this likenefs is exhioiitd m one or a 
few exprefiions, it. is a SIMPLE metaphor, When it is 
purfued in a variety of exprefiions; or there is a con- 
tinued aflfemblage of metaphors, it is an allegory. 
When the refemblance is harm and far fetched, as to fee 
a voice, it is a catachr.esis. When it is couched in a 
fhort faying oblcure and ambiguous, it is called a rid- 
dle. When it is couched in a fhort faying comnaoniy 



* . . MCRED TR'.POLOSY. 

u 'td,it is termed a proverp Wi,„„ .. , . 

parable. 2 B c 'f!;; , fol ' m 1 . cf a ''H. » R » 
and operations one K *' """J 8 haS V3 ' ious <^ lities 
biem of perS " ^ or thin",! %* ** "* meta P'™"= em- 
I** is th'e enrblem G^Chnft^f T&i '° * 
goooSwd bad. , Tne Twl . ' ° f Satan ' ot m ™> 

and the vbi ft 3\hl dlS T nCe b;tWeen ,he emW <™. 
whence" S^LTh^ ' 1 ""' '' S ' bctwe " &" 
"Kts; rend " s P r i »ffibe 8 T > ' ^ ^ wWeh * **" 

be found ThJc* rSlT 8nd ^^ ° bj '^ flwu,d "" 
decenc? with refn„« P , fu "her than truth and 

the myfteues of G ™ N v i ° ,h f ^ 3ad darken 
one particular is ^A\ Y' ■' e faCred m ^phors, 

feould from the eir^ th '"" ent, « ' '«<»* or preacher, 

BOOK II 

OF METAPHORS REPRESENTING PERSONS, 
CHAP. I. 

Of METAPHORS RESPECTING GOD. 

der affeclion ,„ v „ B r' ' domin 'on over, and ten- 
<*•. afiS^X""' -?'. Things refpefling 
emblems of his ~rfi!E ' ? dlv '»«)7 conftitute the 
«EA» of Ch ft P toST aml W0 '^ H < " CaIled the 
undoubted fBDerinr ?„*• m; ",'- a: ' d Mediat <»> he is the 
luperio. , and ,t „ his to fupport, rule, and 






Of metaphor* rcspectinr God , , 

*r«a _him, as foci, a. His countenance and ftce when 
^prefented as fet againft K1! y, denote J „,^ ^ 

thw s fi"nif r^ ,vmh ^ i «-h<vci l c lim « ?nc , :r > 

grace c Commonly his eyes import his.knowled° e • his 
care; Ins favour and regard; but fcmetimes thedi/War 
o h,s wrath ,/. H,s ears denote his perfta kno _,JT »' 
h.s exaa obferva.ion, anJ favourab/e "^d™ H & 
ft. lsand nofe figmfy h,s anger, his approbation, and his 

xaa juc.ga.ent/ H,s mouth and lips denote his wi 
lu=authont y ; his word; his command ; his wrart V 
His back imports b IS an'ger and difrceard j Hi, I- '/' 

incn as a.e l^anty and obicure, in refpeft c f our imrhe- 
c ate vtfouot him, face to face, in heaven i. His arts 
Ins hands, his fingers, denote his almighty power mart' 
fefiec in aa, et fovereignt,, judice, lunty, %T££ 

Raited fiation of Chr.fi, it ^.^ ^ 
an horny, glory, d.gnity OT . The hollow of hil hand 
u ,o es hiseafy comprehenfion, protean, and fupporl 
m .11 things n. His foul ,s his nature, his holinefs" and 
love o. His heart is his efience ; his will ; purpofe- plea 

wl hn£ ' m 7 C7; ?nd •"• b «»r:ded compaffion „. 
Pes baton import, kcn . fif effii n r e , rnd ^.* 

amazing intimacy , and eirdeared loje r. His feet are 
the left g or,6« manifeftanons of his preface ; the Z 
evc.fe ot his power . a ,,d providence, for the relief of h is 
people, and overthrow of his enemies s. 

a rifd.fcfi t T P °H ? f d T" e pIeafare; »PP^«r<te; 

H fi.~'f" \ fl ' S hat , red ' an S r < ™<"> fury, denoW 
has fixed, high, and holy diipleafure with fin; and fin. 



• *■• ■ /. u iiei) \\>. i{ Dent xi i? d -i «■ • * ^^Ji. 

via. ,i J„ x/x 5 . ai , v, 4 / fl X 2™\ ?i? 49- ^ Gjn. ri 6. and 

M»*iuj8. ,Isa Kvi ,; v 4 ? '-'-Mil. (i . r Ps.,1 l.vxiv. u. 



1 6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

ners ; and his awful difplay thereof, in his righteous 
judgments a. His fadnefs and grief import his juft dif- 
pleafure and righteous withdrawment of favour b, Hi* 
grief for the mifery of his people, denotes his tendei 
mercy; his infinite companion toward them c. His 
repentance imports the changing, not of his mind and 
purpofe, but of the courfe of his providential work d. 
His jealoufy denotes his diftruft of his creatures ; his 
tender regard to his honour ; his love to his people, and 
his indignation againft his enemies e. His knowledge 
imports his clear view of all things ; his difcovery of fe- 
crets j his approbation and love f. His thoughts are 
his purpetes ; and his judgment concerning things £. 

His enquiry and fearch imports the perfection and in- 
fallibility of his knowledge ; his patient and convincing 
procedure againft tranfgrenors ; his difcovery of things 
that are hid h. His remembrance denotes his extenfive 
knowledge and notice ; with the fignal difplays of his 
pity, favour, or wrath i. His remembering fin imports 
his puniflring on account of it: his not remembering it, 
denotes his gracious forgiving of it k* Mis forgetting 
perfons, imports his difregardiog and expcfing them to 
affliction and mifery /. His hilling for men, denotes his 
eafy and fudden affemblinp-, and bringing them to exe- 
cute his judgments m. His breath or breathing fignifies 
the exercil'e of his power in the eafy formation of man ; 
in the readydeftruclion of his enemies, or deliverance of 
his people n. His mccking and laughing at men, denotes 
his pleafure in their juft puniihment ; his full fecurity 
from, and disregard of their wicked attempts againft his 
interefts; and his contemning the prayer they prefect to 
him in their affliction o. His crying out, imports his 
earned invitation of finful men to accept his favours, and 
return to their duty ; and his fevere correction and pu- 
niihment of thefe that obftinatcly oiftnd^>. His fpeaking, 

a P6al. v. 4,— 6. and vii and lb. Jerix. 9. ft. 'Isa. Ixiii. io Ezek, vi. 
Q. c Judg. x. \6. d Gen, vi. 6. i Sam. xv. 19. a Exod. xx. 6 Zech. 
i. 14, i 5 /John xx i. 17. Manh. vii. a J. Gen. xxii. 12 g. Jer. xxix. 11. 
Isa. lix 8. h Gen in. <j,---i 5, and iv. 10, and xviii. 2-1. i l J sal. cxxxVi, 
2j. and xxv. 7. Rev. xviii. 5 k Psali Ixxix. 8. Heb. viii. u. t Psal. xni. 
i, andix.ttf. m Isa v. 26 and v«. 18. b Gen. ii. 17, Ezek. xxi. it. Isa. 
X1.4. 1'.'-al. ii.4. PrQV.i, 16. pl'iov.i 9 tz. Isa. xlii. 13. Mican vi. 9. 



of metaphors respecting God. i7 

Signifies the virtue of his will ; his forming a voice in the 
air ; his declaring his mind to men by his Spirit, his 
word, or his providence a. His rebukes imports his con- 
vincing men offing his correcting and punilhing them for 
it ; his retraining of things b. His calling things, ligni- 
tes his eafy forming, exciting, and managing of them : 
his calling perfons imports his authoritative fending 
them to an office ; and earneft inviting and drawing them, 
to their duty and privilege c. 

His commanding things, imports his making them 
do whatfoever he pleafeth d. His being commanded by 
his people, fignifies his ready fulfilment of his gracious? 
promifes, whenever they are pled by the prayer of faith 
e. His hearing, his giving ear to and anfwering of pray- 
er, imports his gracious regard to and acceptance of it, 
and his readily granting the benefits therein requefled/I. 
His filence to men denotes his fovereign delay to com- 
fort or relieve them g. His fhutting out prayer, and 
calling the dung of their facrifices into mens faces, irn* 
ports his contempt and difregard of them ; and by his 
terrible judgment (hewing himfelf greatly difpleafed 
therewith h. His numbering of things, fignifies his ex-* 
a£t knowledge and perfect management of them ; his 
regard to, or wrathful deftru&ion of them i. His fel- 
ling men, imports his apparently renouncing his favour- 
able claim to them, and giving them up into the hand 
of their enemies for the vindieation of his holinefs, and 
fatisfaction of his juftice k. His felling his favours de- 
notes his open offer, his deliberate and gracious beflowal 
of them on ChriiVs account /. His buying men figni- 
fies his delivering them from mifery ; his bringing 
them into an outward church-ftate of nearnefs to him- 
felf 5 his bringing them into a new-covenant ftate 
through the blood of his Son m. His redeeming men, is 
his recovering them by price or by power to former 
felicity ; chiefly his recovering them from fin and mifery 
through the price of his Son's blood, and the power of 

a Gen. i 3. Exod xx 1. Psallxxxv 8. 2 Sam xxiii 3. Psal ii 5, b John 
xvi 9. fsa xvii 13. Psal civ 7. c Psal cv 16. Rom iv 17. Heb v 4 and Hi 
2. d fsa v 6. e Isa xlv. 11. /Psal iv 1 and v 1. g Psal xxv'i 1 \ I 
iii 8. Mai ii 3. i Psal Ivi 8. Dan v 28. k Judg ii 14, ?$& scliv 12 ***ulv 
1. m, Deutxxxii6, 2 pet ii 1. 1 Corvi 19. 

B 



J 8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

his ho!y Spirit, to everlafling holinefs and happinefs a. 
His labour or working, is his almighty, his wife pro- 
duction, upholding, actuating, and ruling of all things b 
His refting imports his ceafing from his work of crea- 
tion ; his takitig pleafure in his creatures; his forbear- 
ing fignally to inrerpofe between contending nations c. 
His retting in the tabernacle or temple, or in Zion, im- 
ports the lafting continuance of the cloud of his glory 
there ; and the fixed continuance of his gracious in- 
Huences and good will in the church d. 

His wiping away mens tears denotes his removing all 
occafions of grief, and filling them with comfort and joy 
e. His wiping out perfons or things imports his angry, 
his eafy and fudden definition of them from off the 
face of the earthy. His binding angels or men, iignifies 
his fevereJy afflicting them ; his powerful reftraint of 
their motions and work g. His tearing men, his wound- 
ing and making them fore, imports his fevere, (Locking, 
and painful articling of them in foul or body h. His 
binding men up, imports his luridly redreffing their 
grievances, and healing the plagues, the griefs, the dif- 
cafes of their foul i. His girding men, denotes his fit- 
ting and. preparing them for their work ; his rendering 
them powerful and aclive therein k. His looiing im- 
ports his taking off reftrairts ; his confening liberty, 
eafe, and felicity, temporal and fpiritual /. But his 
loofing the bands of kings, denotes his depriving them 
of their powtr, their honour and authority m. His open- 
ing his hand, imports the ready, the tree, the large, the 
liberal, communication of his favours and influence n. 
His opening a door to the apoftles, imports his giving 
them great opportunity to preach the gcfpel with fuc- 
cefs o. H's opening the door ol faith to the Gentiles, 
denotes his offering them Ghrift, and his falvation, in 
the preached gofpel ; and giving th.-m faith to receive 
the fame^). His opening the heart, imports his con- 
vincing the conicience; his enlightening the mind; his 
renewing the will, and itirring up the affections, to em. 

a Un xlviii 17. 1 Pc* i 19. b John v 17. c Fxod xxxi 17. Jsa xix 

J. 4 P*al cxxxii \\ f Rev vii 17. ft Kings xxi 1 3. g Job xxxv 8. 
b . 18, ; Hasea vi 1. k Psal xviii 32. JPsalcxlvi7. m Jsaxlv 1, Job 
Mi it. n Ptol cxlv 16. 1 Cor xvi 9 /Aclsxtv2y. 






Of metaphors respecting' God. 19 

brace Chrift his unfpeakable gift, in the word a. Ris 
knocking at the door of mens heart, implies his inviting 
and commanding them by his word, his alarming them 
by his providence, and exciting them by the Having of 
Ins Spirit, to receive himfeif in his Son i«to their heart 
b. His holding one's hand, implies his directing, uphold- 
ing, and fucceeding him in his work c. His concluding 
men in fin, fignifies his permitting them to harden them- 
felves in it ; his folemn declaration of their being guilty 
of it, and by nature fixed in a (late of it d. His {hutting 
men up, denotes his bereaving them of their liberty, 
and laying them under fore affliction e. 

His trying men, imports his making a difcovery of 
their Rate and quality • his purging them by means of 
trouble from their corruption ; his deftroying them in. 
his juil indignation J". His breaking men, imports his 
awfully chaftifing, or wrathfully punifliin^ them^. His 
iifcing his people, denotes his tolling, afflicting, and cor- 
recting them, while he wonderfully preierves them b* 
His lifting the nations, fignifies his fevere punifhing and 
fcatteriag them i. His fhaviug men, and making them 
bald, imports his depriving them of their number, their 
wealth, their glory h. His dripping men naked, im- 
plies his bereaving them of their fafety, their riches ; 
and expoling them to trouble, fhame, and reproach /. 
His blotting mens names from under heaven, imports 
his deftroying them utterly, and caufing their remem- 
brance to ceafe m. His devouring and fwallowing up, 
fignifies his eafy, his fudden, his terrible, his utter de~ 
ftruction of an object n. His pouring out, imports the 
heavenly, the gradual, the regular, the abundant com- 
munication of his fpiritual influence, his merciful fa- 
vours, or wrathful judgments 0. His hewing men, im-- 
plies his alarming their confeience, or his hardening 
their foul, and ripening it for destruction p. His 
it retching out the line of confufion upon a land, imports 
his giving it up to defolating judgments, to the per- 

a Acts xvi 74. b Rev \\\ 20. c Tsa xlii 6 and xlv 1. d Gal iii 22. Rom 
xi 32. e Job xu 14, /Psa] xvii j. g Isa xxxviii i 3. b Amos Jx 9. i Isa 
XXX28. k Isa in 17 and vii 20. / Ezek xxiii 26. m D?ut xxix 20. n Isa 
xxv 8. Prov i 24. La xiiv 3,-5. PsaJ lxxix 5, 6. p Hosea vj 5. 

& 2 



20 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

plexing of the inhabitants, and the putting every thing 
in it out of due order a. His bearing, carrying, and up- 
holding, implies his preferring in exiftence or life ; his 
bellowing of refrediful comfort ; his protecting from in- 
jury, and governing, directing, and drawing in a right 
way b. His binding up mens fouls in the bundle of life 
with himfelf, imparts his kindly fecuring and promoting 
their life, their health, their profperity, and comfort c. 
His flinging out mens fouls, implies his cutting them ofF 
by a fudden, a violent, a wrathful exit d. 

H s making a way for his anger, fignifies his provi- 
dential ordering of events, to promote the execution of 
his righteous judgments e. His making mountains his 
way, and exalting his high way, imports, that, to the 
exaltation of his gracious deugns and methods towards 
his people, he makes ordinances, and even ohilrucbons, 
fubfervient to further his work f. His weighing the 
mountains in fcales, and comprehending the waters in a 
xneafure, implies his full knowledge; his eafy fupport, 
and management of all things, even the greateil g. His 
weighing mens fpirits, iroponshis cornprehenfive know- 
ledge of their ft ate, their frames, their qualities, and 
thoughts h. His weighing mens paths and prayer ; 
his considering their meditation, implies his mod per- 
fect acquaintance therewith, and his conflant readinefs 
to render a due reward and proper anfwer thereto i, 
His fearching Jerufalem with lighted candles, imports 
his open difcovery and punifhing of the moll fecret fins 
thereof k. His blotting outfit), is his full and final par- 
don thereof, through the blood of his Son /. His blot- 
ting men out of his book, fignifies his calling off his pro- 
yidential care of them on earth ; his cutting them off by 
death ; and his manifeiting by wrathful events, that they 

re never written in his book of life in. His cutting 

o 

men off from his hand, imports his taking them away 
by death ; tlnU their temporal life is no longet the ob- 
ject of li is care or providence ;/. 



« I^a XXXIV 1 1. b P a] :J\ i 4. Paal cxlv 14. c 1 Sim xxv 29. 

f V 1 I . ■ iii 50. / "is. 1 xlix 11. p Isa xi \i. b Prov xvi 1. i Is, 

ii 1 . : . V. /. v..,.i. . . '. / r . . .. 1 _ B" 1 :: . . 



d ibid. 

1 ' |V« / ' ' AHA I •• £ •«» A& J«| '■' *. ■ •/ * AVI £. I iSel \X V 1 f ( 

Paal 1 > * Zeph i 12. / Isaxliv 21. m Exod xxxii $1. Rev* 

xxii i3. 11 Paal ixxxviii. 5. 



Of metaphors respecting God* 2t 

His writing things in a book, denotes his perfect know- 
ledge, exact remembrance, and continued, juft regard to 
them a. His writing bitter things againft one, lignifies 
his gradual afflicting of him with fevere and lading trou- 
bles h. His writing his law in mens heart, and fealing 
them wich his Spirit, imports his applying his word by 
his Spirit to their heart ; that they may be conformed to 
his image and law ; and comforted by his influence c. 
His writing mens names in heaven in his book of life ; 
with the living; with the righteous, imports his parti- 
cular and fixed choice of them with the reft of the elecTt, 
to obrameverlalting life d. His writing his name in their 
foreheads, imports his rendering them like him in hoii- 
nefs ; and enabling them to make an open profcflion of 
his truth e. His putting their tears into his bottle and 
marking them in his book, imports his 1 * VccHen it) 
and careful rewarding thereof/*. His en 
the one corner-ftone, implies his formi 
nature ; his furniihing it with ail beaul 
his fevere bruifing, and deep woundii 
itrokes of his wrath jr. His breaking mens teeth, arms, 
or bow, imports his depriving them of ability, of courage, 
of opportunity to opprefs and do violence to others ; or 
defend themfclves h. His putting his hook in their nofe, 
and his bridle in their jaws, denotes his checking their 
fury, and thwarting tneir projecls z. His fanning men 
imports his trying, his {battering, and deft roying them k. 
His cutting off their fpirit fig nines his taking away their 
wifdom, their ftrength, their courage, or life /. His 
f weeping a land with the befom of deftruclion, imports 
his cutting off the inhabitants by death, or giving them 
up for captivity and fpoil ; his overturning the Buildings, 
and rendering it defolate m. His bruiting Satan under 
the feet of his people, implies his reltraining, his con- 
quering, and triumphing over him in, and by them n 
His bruifing, finking", (tricking, wounding men, imports 
his laying heavy afflictions on them o, 

a Isa. !xv. 6, and xlix. 16. b Job xiii. 26. c 2 Cor. iii £. Jer. xxxi. 35. 
4 Lukgx. 20. Rev.xiii. 8. Psai. Ixix. 28. Isa. iv. 3. e Hev. xiii, '2, and 
xv. 1. /Psai. ivi. 8. g-Zech. 1119. b Psal. x. 15, anH Iviii. 6. Hosea 
i. 5. i Isa. xxxvii. 29. ' k Matth. iii. \i. Jer. xv. 7. t Psal. lxxvi. 12. 
m Ua. XiV. 2j. n ROiU. xvi. 20. Isa. liii. 4. io. 

it 3 



22 SACRFD TROPOLOGY. 

His fealing up mens hand denotes his forbidding, his 
hindering them to act #. His foaling, or i'ewino up \ v .[ m 
qi«ity in a bag, in. ports his ex- 61 knowledge of it ; his 
ccntmu dremrmbran^eof it, undreadinefsto revt nge it£, 
His fealmg up his people, denotes his particular piotec- 
tion ot them iti danger ; his confirming and marking them- 
by his Sp rit ; his affuring them of his fptciaj love c. 
Kis fealing of Chritt imports his lending him into the 
world with fufficient authority and furniture to be the 
Mediator, Saviour, Prophet,. Pric-ft, and King of his 
church d. Hs drawing men imports his freeing them 
from trouble ; his bringing them irom a ftate of fin and 
milcry ; enabling them to receive his Son ; and giving 
thorn more and more intimate fellowfnip with himftlf e. 
His purfuing men, his driving them away, imports his 
bringing fudden and heavy judgments upon them, not- 
withftaiiding • f whatcvet tuey can do to prevent, or 
efcape them ', his q.Jck and wrathful bereaving them of 
their outward property, comfort, or lifey. His fetting 
a hedge about men, denotes his favourable protection of 
them ; or b's angry funounding of them with maniiold 
grievous uffliclior s g. His removing the hedge implies 
hisexpofiiig ih m to dan^ ei and ruin h. His. treading men 
under his feet, imports his fevere puniihing ©f them, 
his reducing them to the lowtft p.unge of mifery and 
Want I. 

Hi? feeking or looking to perfons or things, implies 
his ex.61 k, owled.e of t htm ; his gracious favour and 
ap robation; the ex cution of his righteous indignation k. 
B fore him ; before his eyes; or in his fight, is openly, 
boldly, v*eil known to him. Out of his fight, is out of 
his favour, dcrivt-d ot tne peculiar dilpiays of his love 
and cire j out of his peculiar land and chinch /. His 
hearing denotes his fix d attention to, and exacl: know- 
ledge of nil t 1 ings j chiefly his gracious acceptance, and 
kind ai.fvvt.ring of his people's prayers m. His fmelling 
and tailing, import his unerring judgment, and gracious 

i Jnbxxxvii 7« 6J^xiv. 17, c 1 Cnr i 22 Rey. vih f. WJohnvi. 
2-j , P 1 xvni 16 J.hnv,. 4 a mod.' r 4. /L;im i/i 66. J'iov xiv. 
?2 ^J hi 10. Lam ii'.Q. 4P..I. \*xx 1 1. and Ixxxix 40. 1 Lam., 
i. -. /Paxe, md xxxiv 9. Nuino. xvi. 15. / Gen x. 9. a Kings 
ZVU io. Gtu iV. 16. ,7J Psat x 16. 



Of metaphors respiting Cod. 23 

approbation of things a. His- touching' denotes his eafy 
change md removal of things ; his afflicting of ptrions b. 
Ho ileping denotes his apparent indiffctency bout his 
caufe an) people ; his delaying to comfort or help them c. 
His awaking and rifing up^ imply his manifeifation of 
his power, nn rcy, and wrath, in favours of his people, 
and for the ruin of his enemies d. His coming to men, 
his vinring and meeting. them, imports- his freely grant- 
ing tru-m his comfortable pretence, deliverance, or help ; 
or his feverely puniming and afflicting them e _ His go- 
ing or walking with men, fignifi.s his pleaiure to grant 
Bis comfortable p:el'ence, abide with, do good to, uphold,, 
and iit-fend, and direct them f His walking contrary to 
men, imports his deliberat ci offing, of tueir defigns, and 
his extcutinghis terriole judgments upon them g. His 
ihr ving himfelf froward, or a wreltler with the iroward, 
ii v ifi.s hi* heaping the moft difagreeabk and irrvfiiwble 
troubles upon tl em h* His coining down denotes bis 
eondefcenfion ; his manifeitation cfhis p culiar pre fence 
on earth, to favour and bleis his people y and for the 
punilhment and dell ruction of his en emk s z- His *>o-~ 
ing up fignifies th; afcent, the removal of fome vifible 
token ot his prefence k\ His returning 10 his pi ^ce, im- 
ports the withe raiment of his favouis; ana his coming 
out of it, denotes his beginning to airplay his. peril etion,, 
in executing judgment upon his oppolers-/. His re- 
turning on high, imports his open difpiay of his glorious 
and tremendous ex elk ricies and fovereign dominion, in 
helping and comforting his?oeople. and i. avenging nin- 
felfof his adverfiries -m* His returning to men, denotes 
his fhewing them his glory and grace ;. and bellowing, 
his favours on them afters fign^l hiding or withdraw — 
ment thereof n. Hisiniding himfelf,.his covering him- 
felf with a cloud, his Handing afar cfT, import his rcfu- 
fip.g to difcover his glory *nd grace j.and denying to be* 
How feniible favours, to regard or grant mens r< queffs, 
or to help them in a time of need 0. Hs riding on che— 

Exod xxix iS, 25,41. Hosea ix 4. b -Psal. civ. 32, anloxli. 5. 
f, d, Ps-il. xhv 23 24. N'si-nh x 35 Pa. lx> iii 1. e Exo ; l xx 24. Gen 
xxi 1. Psalxviij. Isaxxvii »; /Lev xxv, ( 2. Ge :i xlvi 4. g Let xxvi 
24. b Psal xiii. 26.. i Isa Ixv 1 Gen xi 5, 7 I G 1 xx>vu J 
Hosea v rs. isa xxvi u. m Psai vii 7, n Psal vi, 4, 5, Psai xm 1. Lam 
hi. 44, Ptalx it 



24 



SACRED TROPOLOGY. 



rubims, reprefents his majeflic employment of angels m 
the acminiftrations of his providence a, His riding oft 
fwift clo-ds, imports his awful and majeitic fpeed, in 
executing his manifold, his aftonilhing judgments b. His 
running, his flying, denotes the quick, the eafy progrefs 
ef his wrathful or merciful providences c. His pafling 
by iniquities, import his forgiving them, and forbearing 
to punifk men on their account d. His palling through, 
or over a people or land, fignifies his forbearing to afflict 
them, or his humbling them by lighter ftrokes e. 

His fearchin^ out a land, implies his wife allotment 
of it to a people ; and his preparing it for them f. His 
fteking and finding of men, imports his delight in men; 
and his delivering them from their fallen ftate ; or from 
the deeps of apoftacy, diftance, diftrefs g. His feeking, 
finding out, and vifking iniq dty, denotes his discovering 
it, and punifliing men for it h* His finding out his e- 
nemies, implies his exact knowledge of their perfons 
and crimes ; and his irreiiitable and eafy execution of 
his vengeance upon them i. His-fmding out Chrift, 
imports his infinitely wife choice of him to be our Me- 
diator k. His anointing of perfons, denotes his calling 
them to an c ffice ; or his giving them the Holy Giioft 
to f notify, comfort, and flrengtnen them /. His tempt- 
ing a perfon, imports his trying his obedience ; and call- 
ing him to make a clear dilcovery of his real grace ///. 
His lead.ng into temptation ; his hardening, deceiving, 
blinding, or ileepening men, imports his righteous ex- 
pifare of them to fucii things a, may innocently occalion 
i: ir fin; his withholding, his prpferving, foftening, 
directing, and auakening influences ; and his permitting 
Satan, wicked men and their own lulls to entice tnem to 
fin, and render them ftupid and obftmate, millaken, ig- 
norant, and carelcfs therein n. riis being diijointed 
from his prof fii.ig people, implies how very difagreea- 
ble it is to him, to be provoked to withdraw his fpeciai 
favours from them o. His being made to ferve with 

a Paalxviiiia I Laxix i. c Luke xv 20. PsaLxviii to. d Micah 
>i; is. t Auto* v\\ 5, and vitii. Hosea x 11. /fczekxx6. gJuhniv 
iy fa c.\ix 176. /. GeoxJn 16. Exud xx 6. /' Psal xx/S. k Psal 
Jxxxix :o. / P 3 a] x:v 7. 2 C01 i 21. m Gen xxu I n Matlh vi 13. 
i.Aydv;ij Ej«kx*F9, Row a. 8, *Javi8, 



Cf metaphors respecting God. 25 

mens fins, fignifi.es that his goodnefs, his mercy, his pa- 
tience, his ordinances, words, and works, are by them 
rendered occafions to, and iaff ruments of iniquity a. His 
being wearied with, grieved by, and preflcd under fin 
anvi iinners, import his being long and Angularly provok- 
ed, by their'courfe of iniquity ; his purpofing fpeedily t® 
puniih the guilcy tranfgrelTors b. 

God's place or prefence denotes his being every where; 
his fpecial friend (hip, intimacy, and favour, or that part 
of creation, as Eden, the tabernacle, temple, heaven, See* 
where fome fymbol of his glory is feen c. His feat or 
throne is Chri ft; his. ordinances; heaven; or whatever 
he difplays his efpecial prefence, majedy, and authority 
in d His dwelling in Chrifl ; in eternity; in heaven ;. 
in the hearts of his people;, in the temple, imports his 
abiding and delightful connection therewith ; and his 
fhewing forth, and exerting the riches of his glory and 
grace therein e. His footftool is the earth, where he 
vouchfafes but imperfect difplays of his excellency and 
brightness: and where he crufhes down and afflicts his ad<* 
verfaries : and his tabernacle, temple, or ordinances ; 
where he abides with imperfect faints, and bellows but 
fcanty views of his glory f. His Handing imports his fu- 
nds to govern,andhis readinefs to help, comfort, correct, 
or puniih men g His fitting denotes his fupreme autho- 
rity; his unlimited power; his- ever fixed happinefs; and 
undifturbed repoie b. His lifting up his hand, imports 
his f wearing, his living the moil folemn, firm and evi- 
dent fecurity- for a thing; his threatening of trouble; or 
his exerting his power i. 

Hi? life denotes the eternal exiltence, activity, and hap-- 
pinefs of his nature k. His days and years fignify his 
everlafting and unfucceffive duration ; with the diitin- 
guifhed.feafons of his mighty works /. His being clo- 
thed with light, with majefty, with honour, zeal, &c„. 
imports his divine pleafure in his conftant and glorious 

a r§a. jliii. 24, b Isa. xliii. 24, Gen. vi. 6. Amos ii. 13. c Psal. 
exxxix. 7. Psal. xxiv. 3. Gen. iv. 16. d Heb. iv, 16. Mafth. v 34. 
e 1 Cor. v. 19. Isa. jvii. 15. Psal cxv. 3, /Isa. lxvi. i. P al. xcix 5. 
g Psilm oix. 31. b Psal. Ji. '4. and xxix. 10. i Dent, xxxu 40. Ezek. 
xx» 5, 6. k Psal. xyiii. 46. Jer. x. io. I Dan. vn. 9. Psal. ixxvu. 10.. 



26 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

difplay of his wifdom, holinefs, power, greatnefs, autho- 
rity, righteoufnefs,kindnefs, or wrath a. His being arm- 
ed denotes his full fufSciency, his perpetual readinefs to 
conquer and protect his people ; and to puniih his ene- 
mies b. His bow, his firings, and arrows, his fword, his 
fpear, and helmet, are his power and ju.tice, with the 
threatenings and inftruments of his vengeance: or his 
all-conquering, and protecting love, promife, and grace c. 
Wicfceu men are called his word and hand, beeaufe by 
them lie executes his afflictive deiigns d His buckler and 
banner denote his all powerful help and protection of his 
people, by means of his word, his Providence, and grace 
*. His rod, his ftaiF, and fceptre reprefent the direction, 
fupport defence, and coi reclion of !.:.> people according 
to his promife, and the dcftru&ion of his enemies accord- 
ing to his threatening : rod too denotes the inftruments 
of God's judgment/". The cup in his hand, is anger, wrath, 
ripe for execution ; which is full of mixture, as the judg- 
ments contained are numerous, various, and bitter^. 
And without mixture, as no mercy is mingled therewith 
in hell h. His chariots are clouds, angels, and provi- 
dences i. His chariot-wheels are the wind, or eafy roll- 
ing clouds >£. His riches are his fuineis of snajsfty, glo- 
ry, and grace, with ail the bieifed effe&a thereof/. His 
treafures arc his power, vengeance. jufticc,goodnefs, pa- 
tience, or the clouds and heavens m. His furnace is the 
execution of his juft judgments for the refining of his 
people, and the ruin of his enemies n His lot and por- 
tion is his chofen people, whom he efteems delights in, 
and receiye6 a revenue of glory from o. The Mof*ic la- 
orifices arc called his bread, and the wine offerings re- 
prefented as cheering his heart: they were food delicate 
to his fervice ; and he accepted and delighted in them, 
when offered in the faith of his promifed Son p. His 
book is his predefining purpoie; his infinite knowledge; 

« Psal. xriii. i. and civ. i, 2. Isa !i. 9. and lix. 1 7. b Isa. lix. 17, 
)8. e Paal. xxw. 23. Lam. ii. 4. Dent, x&xii 41. Hab. iii. 11 P^ai. 
xlv. 3, 5. d. Psal. xvii. m, 14. e f'-alm. xxxv. 1. and Ix 4 /Psal. 
xxi, 1. 4. Micah vii. 14, Psal. li 89. Isa. x- 5. g Psal. Ixxv 8. 4 Ke>'. 
xiv. 10. i Psal. Ixviu 17. Isa. xix. 1. AP:al. Ixv. u I Phil. iv. 19. 
m Deut. xxxii. 34 and xxvui. 11. u La. x.x.w.9. o Ltui. xxxii. 9 
p Numb, xxviii, 2. Pwhn ci\. 



Of metaphors respecting God. 27 

his unfailing remembrance; and e-::a£r providential care 
a. His fig-net and feal is what is very dear to him: chiefly 
his feal is his holy Spirit b. "My foul, is every thing in 
me, every thing about me, an emblem of God? why 
then are not the thoughts of him innumerr-b'e r ?nd pre- 
cious to me? why, when I walk by the way; when I lie 
down or rife up, am not I ftill with him? Why dees not 
my God, my all, meet every view ? 

2. God is called the ancient OF days c ; he is from 
everlaiting to everlafiing: when empires-are overturned, 
and nations deffroyed. he continues ever the fame. His 
garment white as fnow, is the purity of his nature; the 
brightnefs of his glory and majelty; and his uncoi rupt- 
nefs in judgment His hair like pure wool, denots his ve- 
nerableneG. gravicy, wifdom, and ficnef^ for [judgment. 
His fiery throne denotes his awful nature: his levere ir- 
refiftible, and piercing judgments: its fiery wheels may 
fignify his clear and ditiinft view of all things, and the 
fpeedy, and terrible execution of his fentences. 

3. God is compared to a fatiilr d. In the firfl perfon 
cf ihe adorable Godne>d, lie from eternity, begot our 
Lord Jefus Chrilt He is the contriver, p'opofer, former, 
and prelerver of all thiols. He is the author arid fource 
of light, knowledge, glory, mercy and p-^odnefs. From 
eternity he chufe into the number of his children y in 
time he fpiritually begets all his ranfomed people: he 
bears, preferves and comforts them; he nourifhes them 
with the fiefh and blood of his Son ; with the fulnefs of 
his love; the influences of his Spirit; $nd the fincere 
milk of the word ; he clothes them with the imputed 
righteeufnefs of his Son; the robe of implanted grace; 
and of a glorious gofpel converfation- Never is he judi- 
cially wroth with any of his faints; but, to aflonifliment 
loves and delights, in their perfons, their graces, and 
good works ; never doth he hurt; butfaves and defends 
tnem, from fii, Sitan, and the world. He is efpecially 
tender of chem, when they are weak and afilicled. Him- 
felf he propofes for their copy and pattern ; in every 
point of due behaviour, ia all ipiritual knowledge, gcd- 

a Tsa. iv. 3. Dan. xii 4. Psa?. cxxx : x. 16. Exod. xxxii. 32. b Jer. 
xxu. 24 .Lph.i. 13, cJDanvii.9. </Jer, ui. 4. 



2S SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

linefs, and honefty, he trains up, and inftructs them; rea- 
dily he hears their requefts ; grants them every good 
thing; preferves them from evil, that it may not defile, 
hurt, or grieve them ; his honourable name he puts up- 
on them; his holy Spirit within them; and appoints 
his angels and minifters to guard, direct and fupply 
them. In all their ways he leads them, takes them by 
their arms, teaching them to -go : his word is their 
rule; his Spirit their comforter, inftructor, and guide : 
his church his chamber of fellowship; his heavenly 
manfions he afligns for their habitation ; affectionately 
he remembers and cares for them, even whilethey feem 
to cart out of his fight ; gracioufly he forgives their 
tranfgreffions ; he bears with their infirmities : and 
tenderly he fympathizes with them under their troubles ; 
exceedingly is he grieved, and difhonoured, by their of- 
fences : and wifely and kindly he corrects them on ac- 
count thereof; every one of them he enriches with his 
fulnefs, and makes heirs of his kingdom. In the pro- 
rnifes of his word he difpones ; in due time he actually 
bellows falvation, endlefs, unlearchable glory, nay, his 
infinite Self, for their everlafting inheritance. Be thou, 
Jehovah, my father, and the guide of my youth. 

4. God is compared to a master and householder. 
By him was every manfion of heaven and earth erected 
and furnilhed ; by him is the whole family of angels, men, 
and every creature, ordered and fettled. To every one 
hath he affigned his proper law, his (ration, and work* 
Angels and men hath he peculiarly connected with him- 
felf ; and by laying before them the moil enriching and 
agreeable rewards, and the moil (Locking and fearful pu- 
nishments, he engages them tobe faithful in their refpec- 
tive rank and fervjee. His family he inftructs and pro- 
tects Every thing nectif ry for their peace, their 
health, and t ; appincfs, lie richly provides Thefe who 
are unruly, he corrects and puniihes. Wicked angels 
and incorrigible men, he expels from his houfe. He 
hath appointed a day in which he will call every rational 
Servant to account, for his trull and conduct. His p'e- 
cali .r family is i.is church among men : to this he gives 
peculiar laws : this he governs, protects, and corrects, 



Of metaphors respecting God. 29 

and rewards or puniflies every member according to his 
work. Lord, may I dwell in thy houfe, and be ft 111 
praifing thee. Every where is a hell, if abfent from my 
God. 

$. God is compared to a king. Infinite is his dig- 
nity ; extenfive his. renown ; great his power ; abfolute 
his authority. Every reafonable creature he gives laws 
to; wifely governs, rigkteoufly rewards or puniihes. 
Heaven is his palace and throne. Angels and faints are 
his honorary guards. All creatures are his armies, 
Divine glory and greatnefs his crown. Infinite pew T er, 
juilice, and love are his Iceptre. Every lawful court 
on earth, every man's bresft, the general judgment, his 
courts of judicature : conference, magiftrates, minifters, 
are his deputies. ' The faved nations of mankind are his 
q'jecn, his children. The ancient, the everlafting coun- 
cil of peace is the privy, the governing fource of his 
whole adrniniftration. Our adored Mediator is his fe- 
cretary, his rninifter of (late. The feriptures of truth, 
are the ftatutes of his kingdom, and the authentic records 
of his reign. The fentences of free forgivenefs ; of un- 
deferved happinefs, or of everlafting damnation, are the 
momentous edicts that proceed from his throne. " Thou 
" art my king, O God, command deliverance for Jacob." 
6. God is compared to a judge. With infinite wif- 
dom and prudence ; with unblemiihed equity, terrible 
rnajeity, unbounded authority, power, and courage, he 
maintains the honour of his facred laws. Effectually he 
lifts every man and devil at his bar : foiemnly and con- 
vincingly lie charges them with their proper deeds : au- 
thoritatively he pronounces and infallibly he executes 
upon them, the moll righteous fentences, correfpondent 
to the precept and fanclion of his law. It is at the 
higheft peril, if I, if any creature, defpife him ; pretend 
to appeal from him ; or find fault with his decifions* 
Lord, enter not into judgment with thy fervant, upon 
his own woiks ; for in thy light no living can be juf- 
tified. 

7. God is a fwift witness. Exact is his knowledge 
of all things. He is infinitely true and faithful. So- 
lemnly, by fubfeription and oath, he attefts the infpired 

G 



30 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

declarations of truth ; the glad tidings of great joy; 
the record concerning his Son, that in him there is eter- 
nal life, for finners of mankind, even the chief. In op- 
poiition to my wretched unbelief, he teftifies to my heart, 
I am God, even thy God. At the tremendous peril of 
calling, of attempting to make the God cf truth a liar, a 
perjured perf°n, do I; do you children of men, hefitate a 
moment to believe the joyful found. Your whole con- 
duel: he knows; and according to his remembrance there- 
of, mail you be quickly judged, and your eternal (late 
fixed. Even now, ye wicked, he teftifies of your guilt 
by his judgments upon you ; by his word unto you: but 
fudcienly fhail he declare it t© your face ; publifh it to 
the world ; and haften your endlefs ruin. If God be my 
witnefs, what manner of perfon ought I to be in all holy 
converfation and godlinefs ? 

8. God is compared to a captain, and called the 
Lord of hosts. It is his to levy, to march, to mufler, 
and manage every army upon earth. It is his to ap- 
point, to arm, to ftrengthen, direct, and snake all his 
creatures to right againit his enemies ; and to protect his 
chofen fubjects. He inliils his people under his banner 
of truth, of love. He teaches them the fpiritual war- 
fare ; gives them the whole armour of righteoufnefs on 
the right hand and on the left; and directs, encouragesj 
and enables them to ufe it aright : to every one he pre- 
fcribes his proper ftation and work ; chufes for them 
the field, and manner of conflict ; fafely he leads them on j 
fecures them from death ; heals their wounds ; procures 
them complete victory; and bellows on them an ever- 
lafting reward. 

9. God is filled a man of war, or expert warrior, 
With unbounded wif .cm, equity, power, and courage, 
he manages every temporal, every fpiritual warfare on 
earth. His chofen people he conquers by the fword of 
his Spi» it, and pow< r of his grace. His, and their ene- 
mies, he fcafonablv, fecretly, fuddmly, boldly, and 
furioufl); attacks, routs, and dellroys. Thus he advances 
his honour; exunds his peculiar dominion; protects 
his friends ; and enriches them with his fpoii. Agaiufl 



Of metaphors respecting God, 3* 

my corruptions, Lord, draw out the fpear and fhteld j 
with their blood ftain all thy raiment. 

io. God is likened to a giant ; becaufe of his. un- 
bounded might, bold courage, and awful terror. No 
creature is able, nor without infinite peril, dares to op- 
pofe him* With eafe he difmays, he difcomfits, and 
ruins his enemies. Fearfully he often corrtcls his 
friends, and makes them to tremble under his hand. 
Stand in awe, my foul, and fin not. Fear him that is 
able to caft foul and body into hell fire ; yea, 1 fay, Fear 
him. 

11. God is compared to an husband- By the invita- 
tions of his Word, and exercife of his providence, he 
woos his chofen people. He enters into marriage, co- 
venant with them, and they become his. He dwells with, 
and in them, according to his infinite knowledge and 
love. Other members of the vifible church are united 
to him by external relation, and {hare of his common 
favours ; but thefe he peculiarly provides for, counfels, 
comforts, protects, and cherilhes : nor does he ever 
leave them, or forfake them. Is my Maker my buf- 
band ? is the Lord of hofts his name ? the God of tils 
whole earth MAY he be called. 

12. God is compared to an husbandman a. Theuni- 
verfal frame of nature, the whole vine3^ard of his 
church, and outfield wildernefs of this world, is of his 
plantation; under his care and management. This he 
divides, hedges, defends, plants with men, good or bad, 
as he pleafeth. According to the benefits he bellows is 
the fruit he requires. In the rich p allures of profpenty 
are many finners, through their own corruption, fed for 
the {laughter of endlefs ruin. His own So^ ho planted 
in the barren foil of our nature.; railed him up a plant 
of renown, then growth, the branch, of the Lord: in 
deata he cut him down, and trode him to duff, in ihe 
wine-fat of his indignation; he raifed him again, and 
gave- him gioiy; that our faith and hope might be in 
God. At infinite expsnee of power, love, care, meri- 
torious fuffering, and divine interceilion,, he plants, he 
manages, the vineyard of his church. The flones of 

C % 

a John xv. i. Isa. v, i, — *. 



32 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

Heatheniim, Popery, and like abominations, he gradually 
digs out. The wine-prefs of ordinances he graciouily 
erects.. Her members he divides into their proper place 
and Ration. _ With rules of government, and with his 
fpecial protection, he hedges her about. He fows her 
with the good feed of his word, and plants her with his 
precious faints. Every one of thefe he foims into a 
fruitful field, and delightful vineyard for himfelf. By 
breaking, by.melting, and removing their hardnefs and 
obduracy, he digs out the (tones of their heart: by con- 
vincing, enlightening, and renewing infl trance, he ploughs 
up its fallow ground, and fows therein the good feed of 
his grace. It is thine, O Jehovah, to weed, to prune 
thy vineyard, by f&ncVifleid afHicUon, and fin killing 
influence: to water it with the luavenly dew, theblefl'td 
rain of thy word and Spirit: thine to purge the world, 
hy rooting out, by lopping off the noxious, the luxuriant 
tranfgrcilbrs : and to water it with the drops of pro- 
sperity. Angels, miniiters, magiftrates, are employed 
to labour in, cultivate, and prctccl thy hufbandry.. 
Thine all-feeing eyes are ever on it, to mew thyfclf. 
itrong in the behalf of them that fear thee. Rut fuch as 
bring not forth good fruit, wilt thou give up to the ftroke 
of thy wrath, and at lail to the vengeance of hell-fire. 
May I, Lord, be thy hufbandry: plant me in Chrift; 
fow to me, in his righteoufnefs ; fo mall I reap in mercy. 
13 God is compared to a shepherd a. His people 
he forms to be the fheep of his paflure. By his provi- 
dence, by his word, chiefly, by his Spirit, he gathers 
them out from an evil world, that lieth in wickednefs ; 
tceds, refrefhes, leads, heals, and protects them. The 
jLordis my fhepherd, I (hall not want. 

14. God is compared to a guide b. The proper 
courfe of every creature he fully underftands; and di- 
rects them in their refpective motions. His conducT: is 
the moll perfect pattern. It is his to recover his be- 
wildered chofen ; to bring them into the way that lead- 
eth unto life ; to comfort, direct, defend, and keep them 
therein; to reduce them from every wandering; and at 
laft ufher them fafely into everlafting glory and happi- 
aPsal. xxiii. 1. b Psii). xlviii. 14. 



Of metaphors respecting God. 33 

nefs. Is this, my foul, thy God and thy guide even 
unto death ? Shall he guide me with his counfel while 
here, and afterward bring me to glory? 

15. God is compared to a hunter a. Great is his ac- 
tivity: he Humbers- not, nor fleeps ; quickly his ven- 
geance overtakes his enemies ; nor can any efcape out of 
his hand. Severe, terrible, and diflurhing are his chaf- 
tifements of his people. How oft, by inward terrors, 
and outward troubles, has he hunted mv foul as a lion ? 

16. God is compared to a builder, b. In his eternal 
purpofe he wifely planned ; in rime he fkilifully formed, 
the whole flru&ure of heaven and earth, and all that is 
therein. Upon his own power and will belaid the foun* 
dation. Gradually he rimmed, and marvelloufly he con- 
ne&ed, and adorned his work. Wifely he rears up the 
body of every animal for its particular ufe. In a gra- 
dual, a well-connected, comely, and marvellous manner, 
he fafhions the bodies and perfons of men. By increa- 
fing their number and profperity, he builds up particu- 
lar families on earth. According to his eternal purpofe, 
he raifeth up, ftrengthens, and embellishes, the nations: 
and when corrupted and wafted with fin, he pulls them 
down, and rears up others in their itead. In his ever- 
lading love, in the blood of his Son, he lays the founda- 
tion of our falvation, and of his church, and of the work 
of grace in his people's heart. Gradually he carries 
forward the erection, till it be perfected in that endlefs 
felicity, that houfe eternally in the heavens, which he 
hath prepared and furnifhed for them that love him. 

17. God is compared to a potter c* With infinite 
care and {kill he formed all things according to his pur- 
pofe and pleafure. In the moil different forms, and for 
the moft different ends, he famioned his creatures. Ma- 
ny of them he formed out of the clay and dull of the 
earth. Some angels and men he fovereignly appointed 
to everlafling honour; others, for their fin, to ever- 
lading fhame and contempt. At his pleafure, he dif- 
pofes of things, of perfons, and nations, and wonderfully 
he preferves them amid, their native frailty and weak- 

» Job x. if, b. Beb. ill- 4, e JUa, bziv. 8. 



3V SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

nefs. Never, my foul, lay to him, Why haft thou 
made, why halt thou made, why haft thou ufed me thus? 

1 8. God compares himfelf to a travailing woman 
a. In infinite tendernefs to, and care for his children, 
he, after a whiles patient reftrain of the breath, the 
blaft, of his judgments, cries aloud in his terrible provi- 
dences ; and to the confufion of his enemies, brings forth 
great deliverance to them, and rejoices therein. Lord, 
how excellent is thy loving-kindnefs ! 

19. God is compared to an eagle b. How high his 
excellency and fovereign dominion over all things ! How 
infinite his knowledge, and exact his obfervation ! How 
great his ftienglh ! how eminent his duration and care 
(o provide for, uphold, cherim, and preferve his people t 
'.By the exercife of his wifdom, his power, his goodnefs 
and truth ; by the agency of his providence, and the ac- 
complifhment of his promife, as with feathers and wings, 
he bears, covers, protects, and warms them. My God,, 
thou haft borne and carried me from the womb, and 
from the belly ; and even unto old age, thou art HE : « 
thou wilt bear, thou wilt carry, and wilt deliver me. 

20. God is compared to a lion c. How terrible, O 
Jehovah,'is thy majefty! How unlimited thy fovereignty I 
How unbounded thy might to deftroy thy foes, and to 
fave thy children ! How mocking ! how alarming the 
voice of thy rearing in the threatenings of thy word, or 
the judgments of thine hand ! How unblemifhed thine 
equity towards every creature ! How watchful ! how e- 
ver open thine eyes, to obferve all gut goings, and ad- 
vert to thine intereft ! He that keeps lfrae.1 neither (lum- 
bers nor fleeps. How perfect thy hatred to thefe who 
indulge themfelvcs in wolviih tyranny ; apifh flattery ; 
or fquint looks of hypocritic diffimulation ! O thy 
ailoniihing patience ! thy unmatched generofity ! thy un- 
bounded mercy to fuch as fubmit themftlves to thy fo- 
vereign will ! thy infinite readinefs to reward the fer- 
vices done thee ! Dut, ah thy hatred ! the terrible, the 
unrelenting rage of thy wrath, againft thefe who dare 
to oppofe thee ! who dare to oppiefs, to injure thy cho- 

a. ha. s,lii, 14. b* Deut, xxxii. 1 r, 1 2. c, llos. xiii. 7. and v. M» 



Of metaphors respecting God. 35 

fen feed ! Confider now, my foul, left he tear thee in 
pieces, while there is no deliverer. 

21. God is compared to a j>eofard a. How infinitely- 
comely and glorious in himfelf ! how 'diverlified his ap- 
pearance to creatures ! How fierce, efpecially after a 
long fleep of exercifed patience ; is his wrath againft his 
enemies I how he obferves their goings ! watches for the 
evil to bring it upon them ! how oft his judgments break 
forth on them ere they are aware ! and what fpi ritual ■ 
blindnefs and everl ailing darknefs are their remedilefs 
doom ! With me, Lord, wait that thou mayeft be graci- 
ous ; be exalted that thou mayeft fhew mercy : and be- 
caufe thou art a God of judgment, let me wait for thee. 
22. God is compared to a bear bereaved ©f her 
whelps, and lying in wait b. How terrible, though of- 
ten flow, are his judgments- ! how wifely his providence 
decoys thefe, who hate bim, into deftruftion and ruin ! 
How aftoniuiing his love to, and care of his people, 
whom by the application of his infinite kindnefs in his 
promife he forms into new, into perfect men! How fearful 
hisvengeance againft thofe that hurt them, or feek to draw 
them from him ! In hell his mercy is clean gone, and he 
will be favourable no more! Behold, my foul, the good- 
nefs and feverity of God! on others that fell, fe verity ; 
towards thee, goodnefs, if thou continue in his goodnefs 
other wife thou Ihalt alfo be cut ofF. 

23. God compares himfelf to a moth and rotten*, 
NEssc. Secretly, infenfibly, gradually, he oft, by his judg- 
ments, wades mens fpirits ; their gifts * their privileges ;, 
and property; and renders them ufelefs and contemptible. 
24. God is called love d. O the incomprehen£ble 
and unbounded love of the three divine perfons one to 
another ! O his kindnefs to all his creatures ! How full 
of love his, heart, his purpofe, his word, his work;, 
chiefly the giving of his Son for and to fmful men ! How 
kindly he wills good to them ! does them good I and de- 
lights in them ! How high ! how extenfive ! how free J 
how powerful and conquering his love to my foul ! may 
it ever be filed abroad in my heart by therloly Ghoftl 
a, Hos, x'ii, 7« &. Hos, xiiii 8. e, Hos. v, u. J. 1 John iv. 8, 



t . 



36 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

25. God is compared to light a. How infinitely glo- 
rious, pure, holy, pleafant, and incomprehenfible his na- 
ture ! how clear and unbounded his knowledge! how 
unlimited his ©mniprefence ! O the quick approaching, 
the refrefhful, the illuminating, difrovering, and direct- 
ing influences, of his goodnefs and grace S Walk, my 
foul, for ever walk, in the light of the Lord. 

26. God is compared to the SUN b. O his unfpeaka- 
ble greatnefs \ his dazzling glory \ his tranfcendent high- 
nefs ! He is the reftful centre of all things ; the father 
and fouree of all light, natural, gracious, or glorious: 
all things are naked and open to him : and it his to re- 
frefh, quicken, and fupport his creatures, chiefly his 
chofen ; and to. render them fruitful after their kind. 
He is always the fame, and ufeful to the whole world : 
all his influences are bellowed without money, and 
without price. Yet, O your unhappinefs, who live 
far from him ! ye who live in the torrid z^ne cf a na- 
tural, an infernal ftate, what power has he to fcorch you 
with fire ! Uncreated fun, now during our temporary 
night, we hut fee thee by the reflected rays of thy glory 
in creatures, in ordinances, in words, in "works; and 
though it be a day of grace to our foul, how clouds 
of guilt, defertion, dark providences, fhear thy rays, and 
hide thee from our view ! O for that eternal noon, when 
my fun fhall no more go down, no more be hid 3 but I 
fhall for ever fee thee as thou art; fhall for ever, en- 
lightened and dazzled with thy brightnefs baik, and melt 
in the rays of redeeming Godhead; till my foul be 
kindled into a pure, an endlefs flame of love ! 

27. God is compared to FIRE c. the infinite pure- 
nefs, power, and awful majefty of his nature ! How 
heart-warming, purifying, and foftening his influence ! 
He is a confuming fire • how terrible the nature of his 
juftice and wrath ! how righteous, holy, tremendous, 
irrefiftible, quick, fpreadin?, and deftruftive his ven- 
geance ! how fuddenly his judgments break forth in an 
inflant ! how efrVftually they purge away his people's 
drofs, while they fill their heart with terror.' how fear- 

a 1 John i. 5. h Psal. Lxxxiv. 11, c 1&, x . ,7. Deal. iv. 24. 



Of metaphors respecting Cod. 37 

fully they confume the wicked ! and, as inafolemn day, 
fur round them with horror ! 

28, God is compared to a CLEAR HEAT after rain ; and 
a cloud of dew in harveft a. How refremful ! how 
nourifhing, comforting, and fructifying the faving in- 
fluences of his goodnefs and grace, during or after our 
trouble ! How refrefhfiil, ye Jews, was yourdeliveranee 
from Sennacherib, after the fearful judgments of God on 
Egypt and Ethiopia' 

29. God is compared to a Fountain h. O the purity ; 
the perpetuity ; the felf- exigence of his nature, andinflu- 
ehce ! O the myfrery, not of his origin, but of his unori- 
gination! How fweet the fulnefs! the refremful, cleanfing, 
and fructifying virtue of his influence ! How free ! how 
common ! how patent our acce{s to receive of his good- 
nefs, redeeming, ornatural ! O fountain of living waters, 
it is thine to poflefs an infinite fulnefs of life, and of ever 
frefh influence, in thyfelf : thine to be the fource of all 
created life, natural, fpiritual, or eternal: thine tobetver 
communicating fuch virtue as begets, maintains, reftores, 
increafes, and perfects life, in thy creatures ; chiefly thy 
redeemed. O fountain of life, becaufe thou Lfveil, I ihall 
live alfo. 

30 God is compared to broad rivers c. By him, 
you faints, are you, your fituation,your bit flings adorned, 
and beautified : by him the air, your fouls breath in, is 
rendered pureand whoiefome: by him you are completely 
defended from every foe : by him you have full accefs to 
the profitable commerce of the celeftial country : in him 
how wide your profpect intoeternicy ! into things in hea- 
ven andon earth ! how inexhaultible his fulnefs to quench 
your third ! fatisfy your defire ! refreih your foul, and 

purge away your filth ! Art thou Lord, my God, that 

fatisfies, that fanctifieth me ! 

3 1 . God is compared to a rock d. How tranfcendent 
his height ! how immoveable his firmnefs ! though in- 
visible in his nature, how vifible in all his works ! clear- 
ly feen by the things which he hath made ! What a re- 
freftiful and protecting fhade to his people ! what herbs 
of precious bleflings and healing promifes proceed from 

a Isa.xviii. 4. b Jer. ii. 15. e Isa. xxxiii. 21. d Deut. xxxii b> 



38 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

him! what unfearchable' and enriching' mines of grace 
and glory better than gold are in him ! what fprings of 
comforting, of nouri/hing virtue flow from him ! Be thou, 
Jehovah, my reck, to which I may ever refort : what 
time mine enemies are in power, I will truft in thee. 

32. God is compared to a shadow a. How fweetthe 
fafety, the refrefhment, the fecret happinefs, his people 
find in him ! in the exercife of his perfections towards, 
and the aecomplifhment of hispromifes, to them ! Here 
may I hidemyfelf, till all calamities be overpaft. 

33. God is compared to a hiding-place h. Invifible 
is his nature ; hidden and myfterious are his methods of 
protecting his people. In him how great their fecret 
comfort and happinefs ! how fully his defence of them 
preferves them from every danger, encourages their 
fainting heart, difpels their fears, and difappoints their 
foes I Lord I flee to thee to cover me; hide the outcaft, 
the criminal that flies to thy refuge. 

34 God is compared to a refuge c. In his perfec- 
tions, his covenant, his promife, his providence, what 
unlimited fulnefs ©f fure protections, from every danger, 
every enemy! With fpeed, wich ailurance of welcome^ 
ought every man to flee to him, through Chrifl the new, 
the fole, the plain, the patent way. In him we may 
boldly defy our adverfanes; and in him we mull for 
ever abide : for O tne fearful, the eternal, the unavoid- 
able danger of thefe, who in the moments of death, of 
judgment are found without him ! Lord, all that are far 
from theefliall periih* When all refuge fails me, when 
no man cares for my foul, then be thou my refuge, my 
portion in the land of the living. 

35. God is compared to a strong-hold and ro'R- 
Tpess d. In Inm is ail fulnefs of fpiritual defence, ar- 
mour, and provision : it is impoffi >le tobatter down, fcale, 
or undermine, the Eternal; and with inrinite hazard 
do any attempt it ; or to hurt thefe who are in him. It 
is only his to be the protector of his people : only thefe 
who flee to him, (bare oi his full fecurity, and fafe reil: 
and it is theirs to boafl and glory of him ; and by his in- 

a Psa!. lvii. 1. b Psal. xxxii. 7. / Psa!. x !vi. 1. 

4 Psa!. xviu, 1, j. 






Of metaphors refpeBing God. 39 

fluence to fight againft, and annoy- their fpiritual ene- 
mies, fin, Satan, and the world. 

36. God is called his people's reward a. While un- 
fit, while unready, to defend themfelves againft the 
fecret, the fudden attacks of their enemies, he 'kindly 
protects their perfon, and maintains their caufe. 
Cry, my foul, unto God, unto God, who performeth all 
things for me. 

37. God is compared to a shield : hi3 love, favour, 
and truth, to a shield and euckler b. His perfections, 
his promife, his providence are efpecially ufeful in dan- 
ger : they protect the whole man, ehiefly, what is 
mod expofed ; and from the mod eminent enemies, 
temptations, and troubles, are we thereby protected: 
by God's exerting his favour, and fulfilling his truth, 
his faithful word; he not only defends from dangers, 
hut tmboldens and enables us, unhurt, to contend 
with our fpiritual foes. Let me fay of the Lord, He 
is my fhield and buckler, my God in xvhom 1 will 
truft : though an holt encamp againft me, 1 will be 
confident in this. 

38. God is compared to a wall, and wall of fire c. 
He is the great fupport, beauty and protector of his peo- 
ple on every fide: he furrounds them with his promife, 
perfections, and prefence; and on him do all their cham- 
bers of ordinances, and worfhipping affemblies depend : 
with his benign influence, he enlightens and warms the 
hearts of his people: with his complete, his awful protec- 
tion, he renders them. Cafe, bold and fearlefs, amidit bru- 
tifh and outrageous foes. 

39. God is compared to an HABITATION and DWELL- 
ING PLACE d. Into his favour we enter bj r Jefus as our 
door, our way; in him are contained all our choice riches, 
and comfort : in a ftate of union to, and fellowfhip with 
him, we are fate from the fcorching heat of divine wrath, 
the fiery darts of temptation, the cold of fpiritual dead- 
nefs, and dorms of trouble ; and enjoy complete pieaiure, 
and reft to our foul; with every thing comely ana ufeful; 
here we have fweet fellow ihip with divine perfons, holy 

a Isa. lii. 12. b Gen. xv. 2. psal v. 12, and xci. 3, 4,, 

c tzeki tl\, 41. Zecu, ft. 5. d Fm\, xc. 1. 






40 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

angels, and ranfomed men. Thrice, thrice unhappy is 
our cafe, if without him! we want every thing good; and 
are expofed to endlefs danger, wand. ring and woe. 

40. God is compared to a portion and INHERITANCE, a 
In infinite kindnefs and through our relation tojefusas 
our father, is he freely bellowed upon us; in himfelfhe 
comprehends every thing neceffary, ufeful, precious, or 
comely: the enjoyment of himfupports, fadsfies, enriches 
ennobles enables to ufefulnefs in our fration; and highly, 
O Jehovah, are we to efteem, love, delight in, and boaft 
of thee; O thou incorruptible, fweet, ever prefent, infi- 
nitejUeceffary, all-comprehending, unmixed, unmatched, 
and everlafting portion of our foul ! Whom have I in hea- 
ven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I de£re 
befLies thee ? 

41 God is called an exceeding great reward; and 
exceeding joy b. Our enjoyment of him is the proper 
reward of Chrift's righteoufnefs imputed; and the graci- 
ous reward of our holy obedience: infinitely he furpafTeth 
every other priviledge. Nothing, my foul, is worth thy 
joys or lovely as thy God: infinitely he tranfeends our 
comprehenfion, and defert. He is the caufe and object of 
fuchfolid, pure, and fpintual joy, as in fvreetnefs, ufefui- 
nefs, and duration, far exceeds the joy of child-birth, of 
marriage, of harveft, of viclory, of friendlhip, of reco- 
very of what had been loft. >R<-joice, my foul, in the 

Lord, and again rejoice. ' 

42. God is compared to gold and stlyEr c. How in- 
finitely pure, precious, glorious, deferable, durable, ufeful, 
and enriching! How glorious and honourable he renders 
every one that enjoys him! how to them he anfvvereth all 
tilings; how he emboldens them towards himfeif; toward 
their confeience ; toward Satan ; and toward a prefent 
evil world ! Be thou, O Almighty, my gold, and I fhali 
have plenty of fllver. 

43 God is compared to a jasper stone d. Which is 
either white ; or green, and ipoited with rtd or purple. 
O the excellency! the glory! tne brightnefs ! the majelty! 
and the refrefliful influence of lus nature, and counte- 

a P; il. xvi. 5,6. b Con xv. 2. Psalm xliii. 4. c J^b xxii 25. 
• d Rev. iv. 3. 



Of metaphors refpeBing God. 41 

nance! He Is light itfelf, dwells in, and is cloathed with 
it. How fweetly, howmvftenouily, are all his perfections 
connected together, and contained in one another! Thrice 
fair Original of all that is lovely, be thou mine, my God ? 
and my all in all. 

44. God is likened to a red sardine stone a. How 
terrible his majefty ! How fiery his indignation againft 
his enemies; How fevere his correction of his people! 
No wonder my foul be with Mofes afraid to look on 
God. 

4 5 God is called the strength ; "salvation ; hope ; 
glory, of his people b He is the author, the fubftance, 
the maintainer, perfecter, and end of their glory, falva- 
tion, and Itrength ; and the ground, the object, the che- 
rifher, preferver, and perfecter of their hope. Is Jeho- 
vah now my itrength and fong ? Is he alfo become my 
falvation ? 

46. God's jnuice is called his swords. By it, -with 
aftoniming pain, was ilaughtered the Son of his love ; it 
reached even to his heart. His foul was amazed and 
very heavy ; troubled till he knew not what to fay; for- 
rowful even unto death. By it, with tormenting pain, 
and oft fuddenly, he cuts off his enemies. Thou 
bloody flaming fword, how fheathed in a Saviour's heart 
for me ! 



CHAP. II. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING CHRIST. 

I. ~ /CHRIST is compared to an angel d. As Me« 
v_> diator, he is his Father's fervant, his principal 
attendant ; fits at his right hand ; is admitted into inef- 
fable nearnefs and intimacy ; clearly he always beholds, 
and with infinite pleafure and delight is he always be- 
held by him ; God's heart and eyes are on him conti- 
nually. It is thine, O Jefus, to excel in holinefs, in ac- 
tivity, wifdom, and Itrength : thine to be fent on the 
principal errands of Heaven ; and to publifh the molt 

a Rev. iv. 3. b Isa xii. 2, and Jx. 19. Joel iii. 16. c Zech. xiii. 7, 
£ Isa.lxiii.9. Dan. xii, 1. Rev. xii. 7, and xiv. j8, and xvili. 1. 

D 



42 SACRED TROFOLOGY. 

important meflfages of God to men. He is the great 
Michael, who is as the mighty God ; who faves, pro- 
tects, and delivers his people j and retrains and con- 
quers his foes : the Angel that appeared to the ancient 
patriarchs ; and was with the Hebrews in the wildernefs. 
His having power over fire, imports his abfolute domi- 
nion over all the judgments of God, and the angry con- 
tentions of men; and his coming in flaming fire, to 
take vengeance on thern who know not God, and who 
obey net the gofpel. His lightening the whole earth 
with his glory, imports his difplay of his mining excel- 
lencies in his righteeus and fearful judgments ; and in 
the fpread of his glorious gofpel. Is it not thine, bleiTed 
Angel, to minifter to me ; to encamp about me ? Am 
not I fanclified by God the Father, preferved in Chrift 
Jefus and called ? 

2. Chrift is compared to a man a. In the new cove- 
nant tranfrclion, lie reprefents only men ; under the 
Old Teflament he often appeared in the likenefs of man ; 
in his incarnation he partook of the common nature of 
man ; to reprefent him are the parts, the actions, the 
adjuncts, and relations of men ufed in fcripture, times 
almoft innumerable. His whole body, fignifies his per- 
fon, God man ; or his obedience and fullering in his hu- 
man nature b. His having the appearance of brafs, 
imports his firmnefs, ftrengtJi, parity, and brightnefs c. 
His likenefs to amber, or rather a metal mixed of gold 
and filver, imports the precionfnefs and finning glory of 
his perfon : and the union of his two natures therein : 
or, if the word fignifies a burning coal, it denotes his in- 
finite purity ; his being the brightnefs of the Father's 
glory ; his fhming love to his people ; his burning zeal 
for their good, and his Father's -honour ; and his fiery 
indignation againf! his enemies d. His having the ap- 
pearance of a rainbow, fignifies that he is the furety, the 
mediator, the head, the mtffinger, the all of the new 
covenant c. His having the appearance of fire, imports 
his ?wful and unf potted Godhead ; his warming, and 
enlightening his people ; his being a wall of fire topro_ 

a Zee'', vj. r:. b Dan. x. 5. c Ezek. xl. 3. 

d Luk.i. 4, 27. t Ezek. i. 2S. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 43 

ted, and .1 pillar of lire to direifc and guide them a. 
His body being like the azure beryl, denotes his excel- 
lency, precioufnefs, heavenly glory, and brightnefs : or 
if the fardoax, a flefh-cploured itoue is meant, it iignifies 
his dwelling in our nature b His body as diftinguiilied 
from his head, denotes his church, which by the neck 
of covenant-union, of fcripture, of minifters; is unite to 
him, directed, and nourished by him c. He is white, 
glorious, pure, and comely in his divinity, his holinefs, 
his exaltation, and love j and ruddy in his manhood, his 
bloody iufTering, his low abafement,and his tremendous 
vengeance d. His head as the mod fine, the moil foiid 
and mining gold, is his ail-comely, exalted, precious, 
and durable Godhead, high dignity, and royal dominion 
over all e. Rut the filling of his head with the dev/ t 
and hi? locks with the drops of the night, imports bis 
manifold, his mocking and perplexing fuilerings for oar 
fins; and his enduring our innumerable and provoking 
affronts f. ' His white hairs; denote his wifdom, his 
majefty ; and his being from everlafting God g. His 
bulhy and black locks, imports his unchangeablenefs ; 
his perpetual vigour, frefhnels, and beauty ; with the 
mining wifdom of his appearances and counfels h. His 
eyes denote his knowledge of all things ; his tender care 
and affection towards his people. Thefe like the eyes 
of doves warned with milk, and fitting on fuinefs, are 
pure, clear, comely, condefcending, and fixed on his 
chofen bride ; are ever fixed on his own fuinefs of God- 
head and communicative grace, on the fuinefs of time 
appointed by the Father, and on the church which is 
the fuinefs of him that filleth all in all i. Thefe like 
a flame of fire, are piercing, irrefirtible, and terrible, to 
his foes k. His lips- and mouth, denote his authority 
and word ; which like liliies dropping fweet-fmeliing 
myrrh, are pure, pleafant, favoury, glorious, majeflic, 
and condefcending ; and do gradually, powerfully, con- 
stantly, and gently communicate his ever frefh, his pre- . 
cious, his purifying, his (oul-refreiliing, and perfuming, 
D2 

a Ezek. i. 27. b Dan. x. 6. c Eph. i. 22. d Song v. 10. 

t Song v. 11. j"b©ng v. ii. g Rev, i. 14. b. Song v, ir. 

*« Song v. iz. k Dm. x. 6. Rev i. 14, 



44 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

grace and glory « His cheeks like abed of fpices, are 
the comely, delightful, refrefhful Tenements of his 
"word ; and the ordinances' of his grace ; the rnanifefta- 
tion of his glory to us ; or his humiliation and fuffering 
in our fie ad b. His mighty voice like many waters, 
like the roaring of a lion, or the voice of a multitude, is 
the awful, the important language of his woid and pro- 
vidence; which extends to every end of the earth ; 
leaches the heart of men: brings manifold particular 
jfielTages ; is terrible to his enemies, and threatens them 
with fudden and fearful definition c. His whole face 
and countenance, are his map- i fed at ions of himfelf, in 
his per fori and cilice ; which like lightening, are fur- 
prifing, msjeflic, and awful; like the fun iliining Ii 'his 
ftrengtb, are enlightening, warming, glorious, dazzling, 
andpleafsnt: are as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars, 
ever frefb, firm, comely, and delightful. But his face 
and vifage as marred more than any man, imports the 
dreadful fiifFering and ilia me he endured in his human 
nature d. 

His moulders, denote his almighty power, his ii. finite 
wifdom, care, and love, which qualify him to bear our 
iins in his own body on the tree; to bear our perfons trj 
glory ; and to bear the charge of government committed 
to him by the Father e. His arms like polifhed brafs, 
are his powerful, his glorious ftrength, providence, 
me-icy, and iove.y. His hands, are his power, his opera- 
tion, and bounty ; which like gold-rings ftt with the 
beryl, are perftct. celeftial, comely, and every way ex- 
cellent ; and by which he apprehends and holds £ift his 
jewels, his chofen feed^. His paps denote his commu- 
nicative, his all-nourifiiing, fulnefs of grace and glory b. 
His bofom is his love ; his care ; his fpecial protection ; 
his tefiowal of eminent fellow f nip with himfelf i. His 
btlly or bowels as bright ivory overlaid with fapphires, 
are his tender fympathy; his boundlefs compaffipn; 
Which, O how valuable ! how pure and unmixed ! how 
COnflant, firm and durable ! how reviving, refreihing, 

m Sung v. 13. b. IbiJ. * Rev, i. 15. and x. 3. Dan. x. 6. d Dan. x. 6. 

Hev. i. rft. Sonj» v. 15. Isa. Hi. 14. e Luke xv. 5. Isa. ix. 6. 
y ha, xl. 11. Don. x. 0. £ Song v, 14. b Rev. i. 1 3. iisa.xL.4lu, 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 4£ 

and love exciting a ! His heart, denotes his molt en- 
deared affection, and tender regard b. His loins, are 
his firm purpofes, an:? almighty power c. His legs 
like pillars of marble fet in fockets of gold, denote his 
everlaftihg ability, to fupport the weight of creation ;. 
the Weight of the new covenant concerns" ^ the weight: 
of the perfons, the fins, the punimmerits, the care, 
and falvation of his people ; and the weight of the, 
glory bellowed on hi mi by the Father; and Insuf- 
ficiency to travel the whole journey, run the whole race 
of our redemption, let before him; and to tread down 
Ins oppofers wuth fury and eafe d. His feet, are his 
providence ; his various motions, in coming to this 
world, in travelling- thro' fu fife ring and wo, in treading 
the wine»prefs of his vengeance, and trampling down 
his obdurate foes; which like po'limed brafs, are firm 
and determined, glorious and pure: and like fire or brafs 
burning in a furnace, are awful and rrrajeftic 10 al], but 
deftructu'e and terrible to them that oppofe him e . His 
heel, is his -holy, but created manhood, which Satan 
bruifed and afflicted during his humbled debafement ; 
and his people and followers, whom, while on earth, Sa- 
tan bruifes and afflicts by his manifold temptations f. 
His iteps and goings, are his various approaches to- 
wards incarnation in, the iikenefs of hnful ilem ; his con- 
duel: in fulfilling all righ-teoufnefs, and "receiving his 
glorious reward : his manifold approaches towards our 
perfons, in the influence of his grace; his operations in- 
numerable in managing the world g. His one foot on 
the fea, and the other on the earth, fignifies that ail the 
creation, every thing troublous, or reitful, is fubj?ct to 
his will, and under his care h. 

His having a rainbow roundabout his head, imports 
his- high eftimation of the new covenant ; his being ever 
mindful of it; and in his whole conduct acting accord- 
ing to the tenor of it i. His power, his glory, and zeal 
for our falvation, and his Father's honour, are his beau- 
tiful garments, which adorn his perfon, and render him 
D 3 

a Song v. 14. b Son? via. 6. e Dan. x. 5. d Song v. z$» 

e Dan x. Rev. i. 15, and x 1. /Gen iii. 15. g- Fial. Jxxxix. 5* 
and lxviji. 24. k Rev, x. 2, i Rev. x> i» 



46 SACRSD TmPCL^GY. 

fit for his work a. His linen garment down to the foot, 
is the univerfal purity of his adminiftration ; and the 
finiihed rigbteoufnefs, which covers both him and his 
feed b. His being clothed with a cloud, imports his 
tremendous majcftv : his incomprehenuble nature; and 
his gloomy and unfearcbable providence c. His glori- 
ous, his pure, andeverhfting power. faithfulnefs, equity, 
and love; and his Father's comrniflion, to be our pried 
and fovereign, are his golden girdle, whereby he is a- 
dorned and qualified for his mediatory work^/. His life, 
is his uninterrupted activity, with the fulnefs of grace 
and of glory, lodged/in him, for us e. His meat, is the 
infinite pleafure he takes in honouring his Father, and 
faving his ctfdfen/1 

His fitting at God's right hand, imports the firm fe- 
curity, the uncealin? continuance of his high dignity - y 
his extenfive authority, and undiiturbed reft g. His 
fitting on a cloud, or white cloud, denotes the myiterious, 
the awful, but pure, righteous, and glorious nature of 
his procedure h. His Handing at God's right hand, and 
appearing in his preftnee, ngnifies his conit ant, zealou?, 
and ever-prevalent interceffion for us i. His (landing 
among the myrtle-trees in the bottom, and at the right 
hand of the door, and at the door of our heart, denotes 
his favourable prefence with the Jews in their captive 
and diftrefled condition ; his prefence with his people 
in their deepen" afflictions ; and his readinefs to help and 
relieve them ; and his readinefs to enter into our foul, 
and delire to be received by us k. His walking among 
the golden candleflicks, imports his peculiar prefence 
and delight in his churches ; his conftant operations in 
them ; his unceafmg fupply of them with the oil of his 
fpiritual influence; and his unwearied fnuffing ofF their 
corruptions /. His walking with perfons in a fiery fur- 
nace, reprefeuts his diftinguiQiing nearnefs to, comfort 
and fuppjrt of, his peop.'e, under their heaviefl and 
ftiarp;R trials in. His treading in the wine-prefs, and 
ftaininghis garments with red, imports his terrible and 

a Isa Iix. 17. Rev. i. 13. c Rev. x. i< </Dan. x. 5. Rev.i. 13. , John 
v. 56- Gal. ii. 20. /John iv. 34. g P al. <x r. b Rev. xiw 14. /Acts 
vii. 56. k Ze.cn, i. S, Fsa'.cix. 31, IWv, iji. 20. /Rev. ii, 1, » Dan» 
jii. 25. 



of metaphors respecting Cbnsf . . 47 

bloody victory over all his oppofers, fin, Satan, the 
world, or death a. His travelling in the greatnefs of 
his ftrength, imports his gracious prefenee in every pare 
of his church ; and his difplay of the exceeding great- 
nefs of his power and love, to t'ave his people, and ruin 
their foes h. His having a writer's ink-horn by his fide, 
to mark for fafety, the mourners in Jerufalem ; and his 
being over the men with the Slaughter weapons ; imports 
his fovereign power to lave alive or deftroy ; his tender 
and exact prefervation of his mourning faints ; and his 
fupreme direction and management of the bloody ruin of 
his foes c. His meafuring the vinonary temple and 
city before Ezekiel, and (hewing him the parts and or- 
dinances thereof, imports his prerogative to appoint e- 
very form and ftatue of the church 5 and to give men 
the true knowledge thereof d. His holding the flars in 
his right hand, imports his giving miniflers their com- 
mifnon, and fupporting them in their work <r. His hav- 
ing the- feven fpirits of God, implies his full pofTefTion 
of the divine Spirit, in his diverfifled gifts and grace/". 
His having a little book in his hand, which he deliver- 
ed to John to eat ; and his opening the feven feals of 
God's book, imports his manife'fting of the fecrets, the 
purpofes, and myfteries of God to men g. 

His houfe, is his church ; which he planned, which he 
built and furnifhed ; which he rules, protects, and with 
pleafure dwells in h. His chambers, are his ordinances j 
his worshipping afTemblies ; and his bellowing of inti- 
mate communion with himfelf r. His green bed, is his 
ever-pieafant, flourifhing, and refreshful church, cove- 
nant, word, ordinances -£. His table may denote heaven, 
where he was before his incarnation, where he now is j 
Judea, where he refided during moil of his debasement 5 
or rather, the ordinances of the gofpel, where he de- 
lights himfelf^ and nouri flies his friends /. His provi- 
fion on it, of bread, of fielh, of honey, milk, water, or 
wine, is the blefTmgs of the new covenant ; himfslf, and 
his righteoufnefs : his Father and fulnefs ; his Spirit and 
grace m. His ointments, are his fulnefs of Spirit and grace, 

a Isa. lxiii. r,— 3. b Isa. Txiii. 1. c Ezek. ix, and x. d Ezek. xl — 
xlviii ch3p. e Rev. ii. \, /Rev. iii. i. g Rev. x, and v, and vi chap. 
b Sonar i. 17- i Son? i. 4. k Song i. 16. I Song i. 12, m Prov. ix. 5. 
Isa. xxv, 6, Song v. 1, 



^g SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

which foftens our heart, and renders, us pleafant and 
comely to God a. The kiiTes of his month, may denote 
his coming into our nature and world : rather, the pro- 
mifes of h,is gofpel, and manifeftations of his love; which 
mark his kindnefs and reconciliation to us ; inexpref- 
fibly deligbt our foul, and enkindle our love to himfelf b. 
His chariot of the wood of Lebanon, is bis pure, his 
firm, his fragrant, and incorruptible manhood : its {li- 
ver pillars, are precious, comely, pure, and durable 
graces : its golden bottom, his glorious, almighty, im- 
mutable, iaeflimable, and everlafting Godhead: its purple 
covering, is his bloody firffering, and royal exaltation; 
its mid pavement of love,, is his unbounded favour to 
his chofen, that infpired him to undertake for, obey, and 
fufTer in their Head ; and which is the foundation of all 
our comfort and reft : — or this chariot may denote his 
new covenant, his gofpel, or church c. His white horfej 
is his pure, pleafant, and glorious gofpel of peace ; by 
whofe means he marks out his great'nefs, marches 
through his church, conquers, and enters the hearts of 
his people d. His bow, his arrows, ana f.vord, are his 
powerful word, and almighty influence, whereby lie 
convinces his chofen, and fubdues them to himfelf. His 
taking his bow ; mooting his arrows . and girding his 
fword on his thigh, denotes his fpirited exertion of his 
foul conquering grace c. Kis key of David, is his 
royal authority over his church, to rule and correct at 
liis pleafurs ; and his infpired word, whereby he opens 
our heart to himfelf. and opens for us an efcape from 
every danger, and an entrance into the houfe eternal in 
the heavens /. His fharp fickle- is his unlimited and 
irrefiitible power, whereby he punifhes and cuts off the 
nations, and gathers them lo his bar, and to their e- 
ternal ftate g% Does my adcred Redeemer jo referable 
a man ? call him then, my foul, no more Baaii ; but 
call him Iihi, my man, my husband. Go thou with 
this j.ian. Hide not thyfelf from thine own flefh, 

3. Ghiift i: called the man of God's right hand h. By 
folcmn oath, JEHOVAH confecrate him to his office. By 

a Sunn: i. 3. b Song i. 1. r Song Hi. 9. 10. d Kev. vj. 2. c Rev, 

vl.it Psal. xlv. 35. /Rev.!«. g Kcv. my, 14. £Psal, lxxa j?. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ* 49 

his infinite ftrength he fupports him in it. Through him 
he manifeffs the exceeding greatnefs of his power in the 
falvation of men. And to his right hand he hath exalted 
hi n, to lit thereon, till he make all his enemies his 
foor-ftool. O thou man of God, let my life be precious 
in thy fight. Thus faith my foul, Gome down quickly; 
be thou ever at my right hand, that I may never be 
moved 

4. Chrift is often, efpecially by himfelf, called the 
SON OF man a\ to denote the reality of his human na- 
ture; his aftoniPiiirig debarment; and his amazing de- 
light in it. But did God indeed dwell with man 1 dwell 
in manhood upon earth! Was he indeed the carpenter's 
fon ! Was his mother called Mary; and were his 
brethren and filters here with us ! O what is this God 
has done for ! has done to us ! 

5. Chrift is compared to, an head h. His people, like 
hairs, are rooted and grounded, -ana do grow up in him. 
In the purpofe of God, they were chofen in him ; in the 
new covenant, they were reprefented by him. He is the 
gre^t honour and beauty of, and directs, governs and con- 
veys nourishment to all his taints; who are joined to him 
by faith. It is his to add honour and dignity to, and to 
rule over his church, unite to him by his word, his 
ordinances, and miniflers. Is this Caimd-like he d, 
this lofty, pleafant, fruitful, and all-exhibiting !mroa« 
imel ; this crimfon-like, this fin-bearing, this fuffenog, 
this royally exalted Jeius, my one head ? my Lord, 
and my God ? 

6. Chriit is called a Mediator or days- man c. He 
is God and man in one perfon ; a truly ijsiddle perfon 
between God and us. How infinitely wife ! how peace- 
ful "and condescending ! how juii : how merciful I ^ how 
impartial, faithful and well aft: clcd towards both God 
and men ! Neceifririly chofen to reconcile his Father's 
honour with our happinefs he efrecis it by fatisfying 
his offended juitice with his righteoufnefs and blood j 
by flaying our enmity by his Spirit and love. If I re- 
fufe his meditation, am not I infallibly left to the fe« 

« Rev. xiv. 14. b Col. i. i$. c 1 Tim. ii. 5. 



50 SACRED 'TROPOLOGY. 

verity of the broken law, and incenfed vengeanee of 
God ? Kifs, receive, my foul, t.ie Son left he be angry. 
Obey his voice ; beware of hirn ; provoke him not 

7. Giirift is called a surety a. At his Father's call, 
he, from eternity, became one with us in the eye of the 
broken law. Kindly he undertook for us: infallibly he 
fecuredthe full payment of what obedience and fatisfac- 
lion we owed to his Father's law and jiiftice. Kind to 
ailoniihrnent, he took our wnole debt upon himfelf, and 
erafedour name from the bond : kindly he faid, It thou, 
Father, if thou, ju (lice, admit me, letthefe go their way; 
what they owe tnee, put it on mine account Never, my 
foul", go about to eftablim thine own righteoufnefs: ne- 
Ter thus attempt to thruil Jefus' name from thy debt- 
bond, to infert thy own ; never repine, that when I had 
nothing to pay, he frankly undertook all ; and in due 
time gave his life a ranfom for -many. 

8. Chriftrs compared to a Father h. By his fufFer- 
ings, the travel of his foul; by his refurrection from the- 
dead ; by the iniluence of his Spirit „ by the incorrupti- 
ble feed of the word; he, in our regeneration, begers us 
again to a lively hope: his image he pats on us, and calls 
us by his new name. By his word and Spirit he tcach- 
cth, and guides us in the way we mould go By his pow- 
er, his angels, and minifters, he guards and protects us 
from danger. With his robes of righteoufnefs, and gar- 
ments of falvation, he covers* our nak-dnefs, and adorns 
our perfon. With his flefti and blood, his perfon, obe- 
dience, and atonement, he refre flics and nouriihes our 
foul - and for drink, he gives us his love which is better 

than wine.- Thrice blelTed Father of the fatherlefs, 

flay of the orphans! when both father and mother for- 
fake me, do thou take me up. 

9 Chrill is called a Testator c. In his unbounded 
alfcdlion to his poor kinfman, he as our dying Redeem- 
er, irreversibly difanulled our obligation to ihe broken 
law ; and before witneffes, before God, angels, and men, 
he, in the latter-will of his blefled word, folemnly be- 
queathed to us in his whole fulnefs, his purciiafed blef- 

dHeb.vii.22. b Isa. ix. 6. c Heb. ix. 15, 16. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 51 

lings. With his death he confirmed; with his name 
he figned ; in the infpired records he regifirate •_ in the 
ordinances of the gofpel he publiflies; in the facraments 
he feals, his donation ; himfelf, his Father, his bleffed 
Spirit, are the faithful executors thereof. Search, my 
foul, the fcriptu.res, they are the teitament of a divine 
Father, of a bleeding Redeemer ; let them be fweeter 
than honey to my tafte ; can I without aftoniihmenr, 
without enrapturing- love, without rage againft my fins, 
his murderers, think what he there defpones in legacy 
to me? 

10. Chrift is compared to a eridegkoqm and hus- 
band a. With his Father's confent, he. with infinite 
wifdom and prudence, fixed his love on finful men. 
His friends and fervants, the prophets, and bleiTed 
Baptiit, he fent before him to intimate his gracious dg- 
figns. In the fulneis of time, he afTumed our nature. 
To pay our debt ; to difannul our marriage with fin, 
Satan, and the broken law ; to conquer and flay our 
fpiritual foes ; to prepare for himfelf and us a wedding 
garment of everlafting righteoufnefs ; he laid down his 
life. — In the gofpel he demands and wooes our heart. 
Notwithstanding of our bafe birth, our froward tem- 
per, our lothfome appearance, our brutiih ignorance 
and folly, our poverty, weaknefs, unworlhinefs, our in- 
famous character, and the affronts and injuries without 
number, 'we do him, he, to the endlefs admiration of 
angels and men, intimates, his love to us, offers and pre- 
feuts himfelf for our fpiritual hufband. In the promife 
he proclaims his intention of marriage; with unmatched 
■earneftnefs and patience, he invites, he intreats, he ur- 
ges our heart to accept him. With the motives of our 
sbfolute neceffity ; of his own excellency ; his high dig- 
nity; his unfading comelinefs ; his un fear enable riches; 
his dying, his giving, his almighty love ; he enforces 
his fuit. The love tokens of ordinances, of common 
fpiritual operations, being given, he, in the moment 
fixed by his ancient purpqfe, breaks cur union to the 
broken covenant, to our tufts, to batan, and tc a prefent 
evil world. With pleafuve and joy he unites^ he e- 

<z Matth. xs,v. 6. 2 Cor. xi. 2. 



52 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

fpoufes us to himfelf ; he gives us an intereft in his per- 
fon, and all that he hath; he arrays us with the robes 
of his righteoufnefs and grace ; he forgives our offen- 
ces ; he covers our infirmity; and fupplies our need. 
Kindly and prudently he abides with, cherifhtth, delights 
in, defends, enriches, ennobles, and favours with due 
direftion, warning, reproof. At laft, with folemn pomp, 
with amazing joy, h: tranfports us without fpot or 
wrinkle, or any fuch thing, into his celeltial mansions, 
that we may be ever with him, to behold his glory, 
and become perfectly like him, by feeing him as he is. 
Liften ye children of men, all things are ready, come 
yt to the marriage See that ye refufe not him that 
cometh, that wooeth from heaven. My Beloved is mine, 
and I am his. 

ii Chrift is compared to an HEIR, or first-born a; 
H<° is the eternal Son of God. His is the raoft honour- 
able, fall, and unchangeable right to his Fathers whole 
property. He is the fupport, the hononr of his family in. 
heaven or earth Him hath his Father folemnly infeoffed 
in all that he hath, and bit fled him above all blefiing 
and praife. It is his to portion out every creature, 
chiefly his ranfomed brethren and fifters of men ; and 
out of his fulnefs do we all receive, and grace for 
grace. For ever, in ali things, let him have the pre- 
eminence. Ah ! ah ! that he was fo lately born in 
my heart! 

12. Chriit is compared to a brother h. Heisatrue 
descendant of Adam, and wears the lame human nature 
with us. O how he loves ! how bound, how ready to 
teach, to help, relieve, and protrcl us! Nor, however 
worthy, t Ma 1 ted, and honourable, is he afhamed to own 
his fraternal relation to us. How plea led in conveife, 
infellowfhip in familiar intimacy with us ! He is a brother 
born for adverfity : in days of tribulation, he fhews the 
moll ( iftinguiftied kindnefs ; he affords the moft fpeedy 
and lignal relief. Never, O Puff ffor of all fulnefs, ihall 
thy bowels .uffcr me, thy b..fe, thy indigent brother, to 
p i ifli for want ; Jefus thou art he whom thy brethren 
Audi praife ; tliyFaUur's children ihali bow down belore 
alleb.i. 2. Col. i 5, — 18. b Song viij. r. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 53 

thee. When I find thee without, In this evil _ world, "let 
me kifs ; let me embrace ; let me openly avouch thee - y 
let me bring thee to my mother's houfe, to the chambers 
of that church that conceived me. 

13. Chriiiis compared to a friend a* In no wife can 
his people be without him. Infinitely he loves them ; 
tenderly he fvmpatiiizes with them. O the countlefs, 
the aftoniihing, the gracious words, and deeds, whereby 
he fhews them his kindnefs ! How wifely he confiders 
their cafe ! With his love, that thinketh no evil ; witli 
his imputed atonement; he covers our naked tefs, and 
conceals our infirmity. It is not thine, adored Redeemer^ 
to fay, Be warmed and filled; but to give what is need- 
ful even above what we can aik or think. It is thine ¥ 
to warn- us of our danger ; to reprove our miflakes: furely 
thy finking mall not break my head, but be a precious 
oil to me. It is thine, to help us in trouble ; to turn all 
our bed in our ficknefs ; to comfort us when caff, down. 
In death, and at the awful bar, it is thine to flick elofer 
to us than a brother: though all men forfake us, yet wilt 
not thou. It is thine, racher to die for us, than to deny 
us in any wife. Thine to folve our doubts ; to give us 
counfel in perplexity 5 to allow us frequent meflages of 
thy love ; to impart to us, the fecrets of thy providence, 
thy covenant. Thine to delight in our, ah thrice un- 
worthy, company. Thine, always to feek our true wel- 
fare ; to be highly grieved when we flight thy favours ; 
to count them, w r ho hath us, thine enemies, and avenge 
them as fuch. This is my beloved and my friend, O ye 
daughters of Jerufalem. Let me fhew myfelf friendly ; 
mine own friend, and my Father's friend, my foul, for- 
get, forfake thou not. 

. 14. Chrifl is a lawgiver h. He gives law to e- 
very creature in heaven ana earth. All the laws of in> 
fpirati<*n derive their origin from him It is only his to 
enaclflatutes of doctrine, worfhip, ditcipline, and govern- 
ment, for his viflbk church. It is his to give us the law 
of faith, fulfilled not by doing, but by believing on iim 
that juflifieth the ungodly ; to give us the n^oral law, 
without an annexed fanclion of e term I life or death 5 to 
a Song. v. 16, b Rev, ix zi* 

E 



54 ' SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

give us the new commandment, to love one another. And 
from regard to his authority, muft we ranfomed obey ; 
for tho' dead to the law, as a covenant, we are not with- 
out law to God, but under the law to Chrift. O Jefus, 
how love I thy law ! it is my meditation all the day. 

15. Chrift is called a king a. As God fee has a na- 
tural right to rule over all ; as Mediator, he has given 
to him all power in heaven and on earth. It is his to 
prefcribe rules for his kingdom of the church, and fee to 
the execution thereof. It is his to creel:, maintain, and 
order his kingdom : his to lubdue to himfelf, to pardon, 
to rule honour, reward, and protect, his people; and to 
obferve, reft rain, conquer, and punifh his, and their ene- 
mies, as is good in hit light, in his hands is the power 
and difpofal of our life and death, fpiritual, temporal, or 
eternal. His fpecial kingdom is the church vifible and 
invitible, militant or triumphant. His palace is the ce- 
leflial maniions, the gofpel-church ; nay, every fanclified 
heart. The new covenant, the true church, the ordi- 
nances of the gofpel, are his royal chariot and bed of ftate. 
The Father's right hand, the airy clouds, the ordinances 
of his worftiip, ttie hearts of his people, are his ftately 
throne. The oracks of infpiration, are his ufeful, his 
unblemiihed, his binding laws. The promifes and 
thteatenings, with the execution thereof, are his golden 
and iron fceptre, whereby he manifefts his favour and 
wrath. The Holy Ghoft is his royal feat, which dif- 
tinclly marks and fecures what is his. The high dignity, 
the amazing glory, the various offices beitowed on him 
by his Father, the honours afcribed to him by his mo- 
ther the church, are his everlafting, his golden, his many 
Crowns. The fervice of every creature, the praif s of 
angels and men, are his revenue royal Gofpel minilters 
are his w;uch men, deputies, ambaffadors, heralds. Every 
crtature, chiefly angels and faints, are his army and 
honorary guard. Ti uly, O Jefus, many kings navedc *e 
virtuoufly, but thou excelled them all. It is mine to 
form t.iv fubjefts in creation ; to make them anew in 
regeneration ; 1 > need nothing from them ; to be anointed 
by God himfelf; to poffefs an univerfal dominion, 
« A'sal. ex. 5. Rev. xv. 3, and xix. 16. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. $r 

Thine to be infiuitely wife, mighty, merciful, patient, 
peaceful, honourable, unchangeable, immortal. Have I, 
my foul, feen this King in his beauty? Have I beheld 
his goings in the fan&uary? Have i felt his powerful 
voice, and mighty arm in my heart ? Do I think, do I 
fpeak of the things that concern the King ? Is my tongue 
as the pen of a ready writer ? 

16. Ghrift is a counsellor «• O his infinite dignity, 
wifdom, and prudence ! He is the high favourite or Hea- 
ven ; entirely acquainted with all the divine fecrets. 
Nor is any thing iranfa&ed by his Father, without his 
exprefs concurrence. In harmonious concert, witfejiis 
adored Father, and blefTei Spirit, he devifed, he fixed, 
the whole plan of our redemption, and every concern 
thereof, without ever needing rffiftance from the wifdom. 
of creatures. His whole conduct is infinitely reafonable, 
and wife in itfelf, though oft dark and myilerious to 
created, chiefly to carnal reafon. It is thine, O Jefus, to 
adviie and direct us, in every hard and intricate cafe ; to 
acquaint us fayingly with the laws, the flatutes, the go- 
fpel-etii&s, of Heaven. Thine to fhew us the weak.neis 
or validity of our claim, and of our evidence of right to 
the inheritance above, Thine to manage every impor- 
tant concern of our fpiritual marriage, our peace, or 
profperity, to thy honour, and our endlefs advantage. 
Shall I blefs the Lord, that gave me counfel, and made 
my reins to inftruct me, in the fecret watches of the 
night! 

17. Ghrift is reprefented by the prince in Ezekiel's 
laft vifions b. By his own righteoumefs, and as the fo- 
vereign head of the church, he alone enters into the 
temple, the prefence of God* Extenfive is his domi- 
nion, and redoubled his glory in heaven and earth . Un- 
der his evangelic, his millenial reign, magiftrates, mi- 
nifters, and people, do juftice ; work righteoufnefs j 
and cheerfully exert themselves, and their fubftance, to 
promote his honour. It is his to bear the whole ex- 
pence of offerings for his chofen fubje&s. His to offer 
himfelf an atoning facrifice ; and to enable them to offer 
their perfons and fervice, living and acceptable facri. 

« Isa ix6. b Ezek. xliv. »y— 3, and xlv. 7,-25, andxivi, j,-— 18. 
E 2 



5<S SACRED TROPOLOGY* 

iices to God. His to caiife his own perfon, facrifwe, 
and fulnefs, to be duly exhibited, and fpintually recei- 
ved on every proper and folernn cccanon. He is ever in 
the midil of his people, to protect them from every toe; 
fymp.ithize with them in every trouble; fapply them 
with every necefl^ry grace; affi.it them in every holy 
fervice; and to be coniiantly feen and enjoyed by them- 
He goes in with them, to the throne of grace, to intro- 
duce and prefect their petitions; in to the houle of God, 
to lead them into green paftures; into the fearcb of thtir 
hearts, to (hew them what and Vvbofe they are. He goes 
cut with them, from ordinances, to give them his Spirit, 
to bring to their remembrance what he f^id to them ; 
to preferve them from an evil woild, and keep them 
from falling: and to go out with them at death to u flier 
them into the inheritance of the faints in light. What- 
ever he beftows, is out of his own immenfe fulnefs. 
What is given to ilavim and formal profefTors ; he mall 
in wrath take from them- What is bellowed on his ge- 
nuine children, mall abide with them for ever. 

iS. Clirift is compared to an AMBASSADOR a. In the 
name ot JemoVAH : the great King, whofe name is dread- 
ful among the Heathen, he came personally in the flefli; 
and in the gofpel, Hill comes fpiritually, to our world. 
With infinite wifdom, untainted faithfulnefs, unfpottcd 
integrity, and tender affection to God and to men, he 
foiemnly propofes the terms, lays the foundation of, and 
completes the blcffed treaty of everlafting peace and 
friendiliip ; of Ipi ritual marriage and traffic, between 
his almighty Father, and us finful, rebellious, and ruin- 
ed men. Think, my foul, how it grieves him, when his 
propofals are flighted ! how he leaves the defpifers to 
wonder and perifh under the fury of his Father's juil 
vengean.ee! to whom at the end he will deliver up the 
kingdom, and render an exact, account of his manage- 
ment and fuccefs. If this ambaflador of per.ee weep 
bitterly ; if by tears, by gioans, by blood, by death, he 
befgech me to be reconciled unto God; O my foul, be- 
ware of him; obey his voice; provoke him not; he 

* ha x'.lx. 3,— -8. 2 Cor. v. i8,---2o. I»a. lii. r 3, — • 5> 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. $7 

Will not pardon my wilful, my final, tranfgrefiions ; for 
the Father's name is in him. 

19. Chrift: is a judge a. In his Father's name and 
authority, he, with unlimited wifdom, impartial equity, 
almighty power, and undaunted courage, maintains the 
honour of the divine law, and the peace and order of his 
fubjects. By paffing and executing proper and feafonable 
fentences, he renders himfelf infinitely terrible to offen- 
ders. It is his to recognize every man's deeds, and to 
reward or revenge, as they are good, or bad. Now, 
every confcience, every church-ruler, is deputy under 
him. At the laft day, every man, every apoftate angel, 
fhall be publicly fifted at his decifive tribunal. By the 
teftimony of God, and of their confcience, fhall he fully 
evince; and openly fhall he declare, what they have been 
or done. According to his righteous law fhall he pro- 
nounce and execute their lentence, difmifling the wicked 
into everlafting puniihment, but the righteous into life 
eternal. Meditate terror, you obltinate tranfgreffors, 
behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye fhall fee 
him, they alfo which pierced him; and all the wicked 
kindreds of the earth fhall wail becaufe of him. Now, 
Now, is the accepted time ; Now, is the day of falvation; 
Now, embrace him as youroffered your all fufficient Savi- 
our ; fo ihall you be for ever delivered from him as your 
angry Judge. If this you neglecl, how fhall you abide the 
day of his coming in flaming fire, to take vengeance on all 
them that know not God, and who obey not the gofpel I 
Lift up thine head,' my foul; none elfe is judge but Chrift. 
Will he, who bare my lins, plead againlt me in judge- 
ment ? No ; but he will put flrength in me. I know 
in whom I have believed ; and that he is able to keep 
that falvation of my foul, which I have committed to 
him againlt that day. 

20. Chrift is an advocate b- According tc his Fa- 
ther's appointment, he openly invites finful men, particu- 
larly his children, tc commit their fpiritual caufes into 
his hmd Kindly, freely, readily, and often ttndefired, he 
undertakes them, as far as equity permits. With infi- 
nite ikill, integrity, faith fulnefs, boldnefs, care and fuc- 

flJohnv. 22, 2 Tim. iv. 8. h 1 John ii, 1. 

£3 



£0 SACRED* TROPOLOGY. 

cefs, he pleads them at his Father's bar, maugre al! 
that a broken law, a malicious devil, or guilty confcience, 
can mileage to oppofe him, infilling on the unanfvver^- 
ble plea, of his finifncd righteoufnefs, of his own and his 
Fai.be r 's honour, love, promife, his intetceflion ftlfrays 
prevails, obtain the gracious pardon of every crime, the 
full claim to, and perfect poildlion of that grac^, that 
glory allowed and titablilhed by the laws of the new 
covenant. Hail, my foul, Jefus is able to Cave me to the 
Tittermoft j feeing he ever livtth to make interceflion 
ior me. 

ii. Chriftis the captain of falvation a By his Fa- 
ther's commandment, he, in the difpiay of his honour, 
}jis valour, his wifdom, faithfokiefs, and flrength, cheer- 
fully, openly, and boldly proclaims war with {in, Satan, 
and a carnal world. Armed with zeal, with righteouf- 
nefs, with pow T cr and wrath, he in his incarnation, his 
death, refurrection, afcenfion, his fpiritual and fecond 
coming, fights with, conquers, and fpoils them ; enrich- 
ing his friends with the prey. It is thine, O Jefus, 
v/ith the fvvoid of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 
"with the gofpsl arrows, of deep conviction, of fav- 
ing illumination and heart-melting influence, to fubdue 
thy people, and mske them willing in the day of thy 
power. It is thine to caufe them enliil under thy banner, 
•and take hold of thy covenant. Thine to teach their 
hands to war and their lingers to fight, with pricinali- 
ties, powers and fpiritual wiekedncts in high places ; 
and to mortify the deees of the body, and crucify the 
flefh, that they may live. Thine to array them with 
the military robes of thy righteoufnefs and grace, and 
to equip them with the whole armour of God. It is 
thine to appoint each his particular ftation and work, 
and direct them to watch, march, attack, or retreat; to 
watch againfl /emptation ; luft againil the flefh j refill 
the devil ; or flee youthful lulls. Jt is thine to encou- 
rage their heart, with the hopes of victory, and of an 
exceeding gicat reward. Thine to provide their fpi- 
iituid provifion ; to fhew them the enemy; prudently 
discover their force, and reint out their Uratagems, 
a Ilcb. ii. jo Rev.juXjJ — 21| lia.lv. 4, 






Of metaphors respecting Christ. 59 

Thine to prated from the fiery darts of the devi!, 
and keep from evil, that it may not grieve ibem. Thine 
to lead on to the attacks ; and to fucceed, prefer, reward, 
or correct, as is good in thy fight. It is thine to pur- 
chafe, to bellow, to promote, and maintain our everlaft- 
ing falvation ; and to punifh with infupportable ruin, 
fuch as refufe thy terms of peace, or decline to enlift 
in thy bands. In all my fpiritual waifare, let me fet 
the Lord continually before me: let me (land fall, and 
fee his falvation ; follow after him, only to fpoil. 

22. Ghrift is a leader and gulden. By his divine 
providence he directs all things. Jn the wildernefs of a 
natural flate, and of a prefent evil world, he meets with 
his chofen. In their regeneration, he converts them from 
the error of their way ; makes them to enter in at the 
flrait gate; and brings them into himfelf, the way that 
leadeth unto life. He abides with, comforts, affifts, 
goes before, and fhews a pattern to them : and by his 
word and Spirit directs them in every cafe, till they 
enter into the joy of their Lord. Rejoice, my foul, in 
the way that is right, he fhall guide me; thy way 
to him commit; he fhall bring it to pafs ; with him 
I mail walk, and not be weary ; I mail run, and not 
be faint. 

23. Chrifl is called a prophet and teacher h. In 
confequence of divine appointment and furniture for his 
work, he, by his word and Spirit, faithfully and infalli- 
bly reveals to men his fathers will; chiefly, what relates 
to their future ftate, and the way to it. Unbounded 
and exact, is his knowledge of the divine mind. It is 
his to have comp«fTion on the ignorant, and on them 
that are out of the way , with aftonifhing patience and 
care freely to teach them the myfteries of the kingdom. 
It is his to inform his people, how to cleanfe themfelves 
from iniquity. How to avert divine judgments ; how 
to war with their fpiritual foes, and toaffure them cf 
fuccefs therein. His to folve all their doubts ; i^nd 
fpeak a word in feafon to them that are weary. It is 
his to confirm his million with miracles, obvious to the 
world: and with almighty influence felt by the heart 

a Isa. lv. 4. b Acts iii, 2Z, John Hi, 



6© SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

Kis to appoint and qualify every true teacher in his 
chureh. And ah the fearful doom, that awaits fuch as 
neglect to attend his inftrucYions ! O ye fons of men, 
whether you hear, or whether you forbear, you (hall 
know that a prophet was among you ! God forbid. that 
our Prophet mould be without honour in his own country. 

24. Chrift is the interpreter, one among a thou- 
fand a. To his children he explains the fecrets of his 
covenant ; the myfteries of his word; the deeps of his 
nature, perfon, and purpofe; the wonders of his provi- 
dence. By him they are made to underftand, when, 
and what, the Lord fpeaks to them ; and taught to ex- 
prefs the language of heaven in prayer, praife, and holy 
conference. When, O Jefus, wilt thou privately explain 
every parable to me ? When wilt thou unteach me this 
Aflidod-like jargon of carnal and unknown words ? and 
turn to me a pure language? O when ihall this Babel- 
like ftrife about words entirely ceafe ; and men ferve the 
name of the Lord with one confent ! 

25. Chrifl is called the faithful and true witness b. 
Divinely called, he, with the utmoft fidelity and clear- 
nefs, declares to men the whole truth of God, neceffary 
to be known, and nothing elfe. Solemnly he confirmed 
it, by his own and his prophets and apoftles miracles, al- 
moft innumerable. Solemnly he confirmed it, by his own 
fufTering and death. Solemnly he confirms it, by his 
oath and facraments ; by the teftimony of his Sprit to 
the confcience, and by the attefting courfe of his provi- 
drn r e in the world. And according to thy declarations, 
O Jefus, ihall we be judged at the iaft day. Shall 1 re- 
ject the attetted promifes of God? My foul, doll 

thou now believe ? 

26. Chrift is called the apostle, ormiflionary of our 
profeflion c. Solemnly has God oiled thee, O Redeem- 
er ; and wonderfully hath he qualified thee, to make a 
clear, complete, and infallible revelation of his will to 
men, as the ftandard and rule of their religious pro- 
feflion. It is truly thine to confirm thy million an.: doc- 
trine with miracles benevolenr, great, ana many ; to con- 
fer the Holy Ghofl, by laying on oi thy hands ; to be 

a Job xxxiii. 23. b Rev. iii. 15. Isa. I v. 4. c Heb. iii. 1, 



Of metaphors respecting Christ 6t 

equally concerned with all the churches ; and to be pro-- 
periy fucceeded by none in thy office, Thine to frame, 
to found, and order the gofpel-church ; and to be the 
2uthor, matter, and end, of our whole Chriftianity.- — — 
My foul, confider him ; let him be thy meditation all the 
day. 

27. Chrifl is called a BISHOP, overfeer, and MINISTER 
a. For the welfare of his church, he overfees, watches 
over, preaches the gofpel to, initruets, governs, and in- 
tercedes for, his people. He is the bifhop of fouls; he 
fearcheth the heart, and trieth the reins; lie indriscls, 
governs, and corrects, the fouls of men; nor does a vi- 
able profeiiion, but real inward grace, conilitute any the 
fheep of his paflure. He is called the minifter of the 
fan&uary. How near he approaches to God ! intercedes 
in the holy place above ! and at lafl will for ever remain 
the only minister of the church. He is called the mi- 
ni iler of the circumciiion. Tn bis debafed flate he 
preached to few but circumcifed Jews -Am I re- 
turned to this fh^prrerd and bifhop of fouls ? Am 1 of 
the true circumcifion, which worfnip God in the fpirit, 
rejoice in ChriH Jefus, and have confidence in thenefh? 

28. Gbriff is called a priest &. Taken from among 
men, with refpecl to his humanity, he is folenmly called 
©f God, and furmlhed with all neceffary gifts and grace, 
to give himfelf a facriilce of infinite value, to fatisfy di- 
vine jaftice, and reconcile us to God; and to make con- 
tinual interceflion for us. His golden altar, is himitlf, 
bis own precious and divine nature. The much incenfe, 
wherewith he offers up the prayers of all faiuts to God, 
is his own merits and interceflion. His taking fire fiom 
the altar, or from between the cherubuns, and calling 
it o*. the earth, imports that the contempt of his perfou 
andfinifhedrighteoufnefs,is the great caufe of vengeance; 
and he has the management of all the'fiery judgments of 
God fent upon apoiiate churches. He is made priert 
with an oath : for his encouragement, and for our com- 
fort and ftedfaftnefs, in the faith of his righteoufnefs and 
interceflion, God hath, in the mod folemn way, afcer- 

a 1 Pet ii. 25. Heb. viii, 2. Rom. xv. 8. 
b Heb.iii. 1, and vii. 21. Rev. viii. 3, — 5. Ezek. x. 7. 



6ft SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

tained the eternal duration of his priefthood. He is a 
prieft of good things to come : his purchase and inter- 
xeffion chiefly relate to the good things, the fpiritual 
privileges enjoyed in the evangelic and eternal ftate of 
the church. He is the high prieft of our profeffion 
our only Mediator, whofe faenfice and interceflion are 
the whole fum and fubftance of the gofpel. 

29. Chrift is called the breaker that is gone up a. 
In the greatnefs of his wildom and power, he, in the 
council of peace, came up, and engaged lor us. In his 
incarnation, he came up, and affumed our nature. In his 
life, in his death, he came u?, and obeyed the law, and 
fatisfied the ;juftice of God in our {lead. In his refur- 
re&ion, in his afcenfion,he went up, and took pofleiTion 
of everlafting felicity in our name. In his interceflion, 
he (lands up as our advocate, to appear in the prcfence 
of God for us. A.t laft ne will break, through, and come 
in the clouds, liven now, he breaks through and comes 
UP, in the offer and application of his grace. Having, 
through manifold impafTable-like paths, broken up a new 
and living way to eternal happmefs, he breaks tne head 
of Satan, by deftroying his power : breaks off our chains 
of darkntfs ; removes our guilt an i corruption ; brings 
us out of our fpiritual priibn of blindnefs and bondage. 
By conviction and illumination, he breaks up the fallow- 
ground of our heart. By the almighty influence of his 
love, h^ breaks the power of our enmity and rebellion. 
With heavy chaftiLments, he often breaks the fpirits of 
his people. And with unrelenting ftrokes and ceaielefs 
florms of wrath, he breaks to pieces his incorrigible 
foes. Rejoice, my foul, for I {hall go up and pafs through; 
and the fcord on my head Break all things as they will 
never mall I be broken off from him. 

30. Chrift is compared to a master and lord 3. 
With infinite expence, tendernefs, fkill, and authority, 
he erects his church; and provides for her every thing 
necefTary. He inftructs, admonifhes, and corrects his 
people; afligns them their reipe&ive work and reward. 
It is his to be heartily choien, highly feared, loved, 
honoured, and fervedwith faithfnlnefs, and finglentfs of 

a Micah. ii. rj f k John xiii. 1 3. 



Of metaphors respecting ChrhU 63 

heart. ■ Let rac call no man ro ft ■•■ r ; for ori3 is my 
mailer, even Chrift : he is my Lord : my foul, worfhip 
thou him. 

31. Chrift is compared to a minister of state, % 
treasurer, and stewart a. To him has the Father 
committed all power in heaven and earth j given him to 
be h-ad over all things to the church. Into his hand is 
given all the fulnefs of grace and glory, to be diftribute 
by nim tofinful men, according to tlxe manner prefcribed 
in the purpofe and covenant of God. On him the hap- 
pineis of creation, chiefly of his body the church doth 
depend: and to him we mu ft apply in every time of 
need With infinite prudence, with unfpotted fidelity^ 
be manages, and difpenfes every thing committed to his 
charge. In the end he fha!l render to God, an honour- 
able account of it ; and be rewarded with everlafting 
glory and greatnefs. My foul, caft all thy care upon 
him ; for he careth for thee; and will give thee thy por- 
tion in due feafon. 

32. Chriit has the key of David h. He openeth, 
and no man Ibutteth ; and fhutteth, and no man openeth. 
His is the key of knowledge ; he knows all his people's 
perfons, cafes, and cares : he underftands the fcriptures, 
and appoints others to explain them. His is the key 
of authority, and government in his church ; he fixeth 
ordinances, bellows gifts, and difpenfes bleflings as he 
pleafeth. Maugre all oppoGlion, he opens the icripture; 
fpreads the light and knowledge thereof; he opens a 
door of opportunity to preach the gofpel, and gives mi- 
nifters a door of utterance therein ; and opens the heart 
to receive the ingrafted word, to the favingof the foul. 
It is his to open the door of the church, and admit his 
chofen fheep, admitting daily fuch as fhall be favecl. 
His to open the door of heaven by his blood, and bring 
his faints into that glorious palace* Notwithstanding of 
every contrary attempt, it is thine, O J-fuS, to ihut up 
the fcripture, and render it a fealedbook; to (hut out 
the gofpel, by forbidaing to preach it; to Ihut the oeart, 
by giving it up te the powei of its corruptions ; or 

cJohniii. 35. Col. i. 19. Psal.Uviii.i8, Heb. iiif'*. 
b Rev. in. 7. Isa. xxu. 22. 



64 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

having entered thyfelf, to fhut <>ut rhy rivals ill hell or 
in earth ; and ^t lad to fhut the gates of bsppinefs a- 
gainft thine obftin :te defpifers It is his to (hut up men 
in trouble, fpiritual or temporal ; and to relieve them 
th-rrfrom at bis pleafur?. O bring my foul out of pri- 
son that I uny glorify thy: name. Snut be my heart to 
everv tempt-ition ; to every vanity ; to every iuft ! 

33 Chrift is compared to an husbandman, or matter 
ef a field, or vineyard a. With the ineitimable price of 
his b^ood, he ptirchafed the field, the vineyard of his 
church He hedges it about with difcipline and govern- 
ment. Every one in, or about it, he places in his proper 
flation. Adl his people, chiefly, his minifters, he ap- 
points tolabeur in, and watch over it. By convict-ions 
he digs, and ploughs it- Bv gofpel offers and gracious 
influences, he fattens it. With his full flood of divins 
doctrines, and fpiritual grace, he waters it. By cutting 
off unruly profeflbrs, by death, or by church-cenfure; 
by purging out unruly lufts, and irregular practices; 
by means of fanctined afflictions, good laws, and gracious 
influence, he prunes, and weeds it With infinite plea- 
fure he reviews, walks in, witches over it, and patient- 
ly waits for the fruit of it. His ripe faints he cuts 
down, tranfports them to his celeft ial barns, and ftore- 
houfe ; while he cads the wicked tares into unquencha- 
ble fire. — The chief honour of the whole management, 
he claims for himielf ; but allows a proportionate re- 
ward to his minifters, hi» people. Ee thou, my foul, 
the vineyard of the Lord of holts ; and be my graces 
his pleafant plants. 

34. Chrift is compared to a sower 3. With infinite 
care and ikill he cafts abroad the gwod feed of his word 
in the vifible church. Partly it falls upon inattentive 
(inners, who, like the way fide, give it no reception, not 
fo much as into their memory and judgment : part of it 
among thorns, upon Turners under the power of carnal 
cares, whieh choke and render it unfruitful: part of it 
uooa (tony ground, upon obdurate and hard hearted fin- 
Hers, who, though at ftrft fomewhat effected, quickly. 
a Luke xiii. 6,— 9. 4 Mhitli. xiii.3,— S, 24,— j ? . 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 6£ 

either and return to their wonted unconcern : part of it 
upon good ground, upon renewed hearts, which in dif- 
ferent degrees, bring fortli abundant fruits of righteouf- 
nefs, to the praile and glory of God. After ploughing 

; our hearts by conviction and trouble, it is thine, O jefus, 
to caft into it, the good feed of thy grace ; thine by re- 
peated influence to water, and harrow the foil. — — Jollly 
doft thou call, and look for our precious fruits ; juilly 
doll thou reckon thyfelf honoured, when evangelic truths, 
gracious influences, and fpecial providences, make us to 
abound in the work of the Lord. — O thy long^fafrering 
patience, and kind waiting for our repentance ! — But 
ah the vengeance that {hall at laft overtake fuch as are ob- 
flinate and barren!- Alas! what tares of hypocrites, Satan 
fows in thy church ! What tares of finful inclinations and 
practices are in our heart and life ! But we look for a 
time when thefe diffemblers (ball be utterly ^deftroyed. 
•— Haften, my foul, unto the coming of this day of God. 
35. Chrift is compared to a shepherd a, Kim the 

. Father hath appointed to ovei fee his people, the flock of 
his pait ure, to feek and fave them when loft. In the 
wildernefs- of a natural ftate, on the mountains cf vanity 
and guilt, he leeks them out, follows after, and appre- 
hends them by the w T ord and power of his grace: with 
joy and gladnefs he lays them on the moulder of his al- 
mighty love ; bears them into a new covenant Hate ; 
carries them through a prefent evil world j and, not- 
withstanding of weaknefs and frowardnefs, bears them 
at laft to his heavenly fold. E^acl, O Saviour, is thy 
knowledge of them, in their perfons, their ftate,.. and cafe. 
It is thine, to mark the fheep of the outer p allure, thy 
vifi ble church, with a femblance of fanctity ; thefe of the 

I inner, the invisible church, with thy real image and Spi- 
rit in the hidden man of their heart . Thine to feed them 
with knowledge and under ftanding, upon the green 
paftures of thy perfon, thy relations, covenant, righte- 
oufnefs, and love. Thine to preferve them from the 
unwholfome paftures ot ialfe doftrine, linful corruption, 

I and carnal care. Thine to gather the weak lambs with 
thy arms, and carry them in thy bofom \ and gently to 

F 

a Isa. xh 11, Ileb.xiii. 20, 



66 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

lead thofe who are burdened in fpirit, and are with 
^young; concerned to converc others to thy way. Thine 
to gather thy chofen into the fold of the vifible church, 
and of intimate" nearnefs to thyfelf. In the fcorching 
noontide of perfecution, of temptation, or of prevalent 
corruption, it is thine to give them reft under the fba- 
dow of thy powerful protection and love; to caufe them 
lie down in the green paftures,and befi.de the ftill waters, 
of refreihful ordinances, redeeming kindnefs, and gra- 
des influence. By expofing, by giving thy life fo# 
them ; by applying thy righteoufnefs ; and by exerting 
thy providence, in their defence, itis thine to fhelter them 
from every ftorm ; Lo fave them from every devourer ; 
and preferve them from deft ruclion : if is thine, tenderly, 
and with infinite exaclnefs, to obferve their condition, 
watch over and keep them, that none may ever be loft : 
thine to follow after, and by power and love reduce 
them from every wandering ; kindly to pluck them out 
of every fearful pit, and miry clay, and warn from their 
filthinefs in the ft reams of thy blood, thy Spirit. It is 
thine, to heal their grievous, their unnumbered difeafes; 
to red ere their foul when faint ; and lead them in a 
way that is right. By church-cenfure, he now ff pa rates 
the ir.fecled with fcandal, that the reft be not pai lakers 
ih their fins, or their plagues : at laft he will fully fepo- 
rate the ftoats, the unclean, and prefent the rtfidue be- 
fore God, without fpot, or wrinkle, or any fuch thing. 
The Lamb rhat,is in the midfi of the throne fhall for ever 
ited them in a good pafture ; unto fountains of living 
water fhall he guide them. Blefs the Lout, O my foul, 
that he brought again from the dead, the great fhepherd 
of the ibeep, by the finifLed price of our redemption, the 
blood of the everlafting covenant. 

36. Chrift is compared to a physician a. Him the 
Father hath lent, fealed, and furmfhed, to heal our 
f pi ritual ailments. Every man, whole foul is affected 
with the blindnefs of ignorance, the dtafnefs offpiritual 
unconcern, tie fever of concupifcer.ee, the jaundice of 
malice, the iwelling tyttopan'y of pride, the vertigo of in- 
confianc} T , the ejuinzy of curfiug and blafphemy, the 
« Matth. ix. 12, 13. Isa. lxi. 1. Excd. xv. ^6. 



Of metaphors respecting Cbrht, &j 

dropfy of covetoufnefs, the palfy of ftupidity, the pleu- 
rify of envy, the rheumatifm of difcontent, the delirium 
of conftant levity, the moonilruek madnefs of paiFion and 
rage; or with legality, unbelief, hardnefs of heart, the 
temptations of Satan, the (lings of conference, or any o- 
ther plague, has full warrant to apply to him for a cure. 
In the word of the everlafting goi'pel he exhibits his 
ftgn, publifhes his all-comprehending fkill, and the un- 
failing efficacy of his prefcriptions. Fully he under- 
stands our diftempers, and their proper, their infallible, 
remedy. By day, or night, infinite is his readinefs, to 
vifit the diftrefTed! how he rides on cherubs, on wings of 
everl ailing love, to attend them ! O his infinite concern 
for the welfare of his patients! &11 of them poor and needy, 
he heals without money,and without price. How oft, while 
infeniibility,felf-naughtinefs, unbelieving fear, and ihame, 
reftrain us from calling him, comes he of his own accord, 
and faith to our foul, Wilt thou not be made whole ? O 
the large afTortment of his fpiritual medicines, contained 
in the promifes of the new covenant! When- he applies 
them, how thoroughly he examines our cafe, not that he, 
but that we, may know it ! How thoroughly he fearches 
our wounds, by convi£lions, and trouble ! 1 he poifonous 
xnorfels we had fwallowed^ he makes us by penitent 
grief to vomit up : our finful, our inward filth, he purgeth 
away. Every means of cure he applies in its proper 
order and time. Tenderly he binds up our painful 
wounds j and by his promife applies his blood, his 
righteoufnefs, and grace to our foul. To prevent, or re- 
cover from, fainting fear and defpondency, he pours out 
his Spirit, fheds abroad his encouraging, Supporting, and 
refrefhful love in our heart, by the Holy Ghoit. How 
oft he vifit s ! how kindly he fympathizes with us in our 
affliction ! How greatly he rejoices in our recovery ! Bow 
wifely he prefci ibes fuch fpiritual exerciie and diet, as 
infallibly tend torellore and promote our inward health ! 
Nor do any ever perifh under his hand — — Is he the 
Lord my God, that healeth me? My ail' difeafed fou! 9 
what wouldfl thou, that Chrift ihould do unto thee ? 
37. Chrift is the fpiritual miracle worker a f. Such 

.* Matth. xi. 5. John ii. 1,— 19. Matth. xxi. 12. John iv. 44. Mark 
F 2 



£3 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

as were dead in trefpafles and (ins, be raifed to fpirittial 
and everlafting hfe. To the blind and ignorant he gives 
faving inftruftion. The deaf, the ftupid, he caufeth to 
hear his melting, his (till, his ffiiall, his gofpel-voice. The 
dumb, he enables to exprefs themfelves in prayer and 
praife. lie cleanfes from the leprofy of indwelling fin. 
The gofpel of peace, the gbd tidings of falvation, he 
preaches to finful men, poor, wretched, miferable, blind, 
and naked. In confequence of our happy marriage with 
him, he turns our water of adverfity into comfort and 
nfefulnefs; hs fweetens it, enables to rejoice in it, and 
caufeth it work for us a far more e>:ceeaing and eternal 
weight of glory. The Jewilfe confined and carnal facri- 
fices. he threw out of his church, and made her a fancli- 
fted houfe of prayer for all people. Many Gentiie fin- 
ners, many Roman fabjects, netwitbftanding of their 
ailonifliiug ignorance and unbelief, he reftorcd to ever- 
Jailing Hie. Satan he ejects from our heart. By a word, 
a touch, of his power, he cures our fpiritual fever, our 
Jong-running iffues, our agtd impotency ; and determines 
us when healed, to honour him with the beft that we 
have, and lo fpread abroad the good favour of his fame. 
Along with his command, he enables the withered to 
ftretch out the hand of faitlxfor a cure. Such as. »-•>» 
not only fpiritually dead, but by repeated a&s of horrid 
tranfgrefiions, feemingly defperate ; or by long cuilom, 
ilinkmg and utterly lotnfome in luit, he reftorts to eter- 
ral life; and m-kes the diflinguiflied tranigreiTcrs the 
chief of his faints. By defpifed ordinances and prornifes ; 
by conviction of our blindnefs ; by the warning of .his 
blood and Spirit, he opens our blind underftanding ; gra- 
dually he increafes our fpiritual knowledge, till we fee 
every thing clearly in the immediate virion of God. The 
enraged, the torn by Satan, he kindly delivers, and makes 
found in the faith. The florins of trouble, outward or 
inward, his word changes into a c;lm of peace. }\y a 

i. 21, — 46 Luke viii. 42,— -44. John v. 5, ---9. M-nk i:i. 5. Luke 
viii 49. ---55, aixl v i 11 ---17 John xi. 39, ---44. John ix. Mark 
v ni. 22,-— it>. Matlh. nx 34 Matth. viii. 24,— -33, M*rk v. r,---20. 
Jvlatth. xiv. anil xv, Matin, viii. 5, ---13, an I xv. 21,-28. Luke xxii. 
50 5f. Matlh xxi. 16, 19. Luke v. 1, ---10. John xx; 6. 

f It is here supposed Christ's r:a; outward miracles were emblems of 
his spiritual aoik. 






Of metaphors respecting Christ 69 

few debafed apoftles, he nourifhed the fouls of tinners un- 
numbere4 in the wildernefs of tho. people ; by a few de- 
fpifed truths-; he nourifhes His people in this wildernefs^ 
world, without diminifbing the virtue thereof: nay, the 
more of his provifion we receive, the more we behold 
to remain. How ready to do any thing expected by a 
vigorous, a couragious faith ! Howmany of his betrayers 
and murderers, did he heal by his faving touch ! How 
fearfully, amid their lazy, their fair pretences to holirjeis, 
did he curfe the Jewifh church into barrennf is ; and 
quickly after his afcenfion, make them to wither away ! 
But w T itntrfs, ye apoftles, when you call the gefpel-net 
on the right, on the New Teftament fide of the church, 
what thoufands of fouls were caught in it.' Sing unto the 
Lord, for he hatb done excellent things; this is known 
in ail the earth. Is anything too hard for the Lord ? 

38. Chrift is compared to a merchant a. Infinite is 
his affortrnent of all necefiary and ufeful bleilings, tem- 
poral, fpiritual and eternal, in the gofpel he publishes 
his fulnefs, and gracious terms of fale. How there he 
conftantly exhibits his manifold blelTings, to attract out? 
affection, and excite our fouls to buy ; to receive thenx 
as the free, the unfpeakable, the offered gift of God,, 
without money and without price, without righteoufnefs 
prefent ; and without engaging to render a requital I 
How earneir. his invitations ! How enraptured his joy,, 
when numbers apply for his benefits, and humbly tub— 
mir to his terms of grace ! How grieved,, when we will- 
have none of him ! will not come to him, that we may 
have life ! How difpleafed, when, by preferring our bale, 
our counterfeit, our felf-righteoufnefs, we aver that his 
gifts may be purchafed with our money; and try to raife 
his price ! — Alway he underftands the whole flate of his 
affairs ; what bleifings he has on hand ; who are his mer- 
chants ; and what debts they owe : and at thelaii day, {hall 
he call every man to an account,. Trade with him, my 
foul, for thy God, thy glory, and thy all in all. 

39. Chrift is compared to aREFlWER b. Finding his 
ehoien in a flate of corruption ana mifery, he breaks 
them, with the hammer of his word, melts them in the: 

a- lsa.lv. 1. R.ev. iii. 18. b Mai, iii. 2, 3. 

F 3 



70 SACRED TROPOLOGY". 

furnace of a fiery law, of fiery troubles, efpeciully, of his 
love contained in the promife, and (lied abroad in their 
heart by the Holy Ghoft, the fpirit of burning. Thus 
he purges away their corrupt drofs, and nothing more : 
und forms them into glorious veffels of eternal mercy, 
and happinefs. By perfecution, and cenfure, he purges 
his church from fcandalous and naughty perfons, till at 
lad he prefent her before God, without drofs, without 
fpot, or wrinkle, or any fuch thing. Bleffed. Refiner, O 
when wilt thou purge away all my drofs, and take away 
fell my tin ? 

40. Chrift is compared to a builder a. Upon the 
foundation of his infinite love, he, with his everlafVing 
Father, and adored Spirit, laid the foundation, and built 
up the whole ftrudture of his new covenant, and of our 
faivation by it. The fabric of his human nature he built 
tip inafTuming it : this temple being dellroyed by death ; 
riling from the dead, he reared it up in three days. By 
his birth, his life, his death, his refurrection, his afcen- 
fion, interceflion, and fecond coming ; by his word, ordi- 
nances, and influences, he builds up the church and temple 
of God. On his marvellous perfon he founds it : with 
his blood, grace, and truth, he cements it : myfterioufly 
he connects all the parts and concerns thereof: according 
to this ancient purpofe and plan: he frames every thing 

relative to it It is thine, O Jefus, to dig us, thy cho- 

fen, out of the quarry of our natural flare ; to hew and 
form us by regeneration and falsification ; to bind us to 
thy felt' by my (Heal union : to rear up a ftruclure of grace 
in each of our hearts ; to adorn and finifli the work, with 
ilioutings of grace, grace unto it — mercy fhall be built 
up for ever. 

41. Chrift is compared to a traveller b. In the 
greatnefs of his fhength, in the dilplay of his love, he, 
as it were, goes about in die ordinances, and influences 
of his grace, to feek and favc finners, even the chief ; 
and to vifit his people. How oft he endures the faddeft 
injuries ! By his word, his providence and Spirit, how 
he knocks at the door of our heart ! How wickedly ! 
how flianiefully is he often refilled, and excluded ! 
a Zechi vi, 13. b Isa. Ixiii. j. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 71 

What ravifhing feaft of fpiritual delight, he beftows 011 
thofe who receive him ! He and his Father enter in, and 
manifeft the glory and fweetnefs of their petfon and 
love! 

42. Chrift is compared to a servant, a. Chearfully 
he engaged to his Father in the fervice of our falvation. 
With amazing diligence, faith fulnefs, humble condefcen- 
fion, and fingle regard to his 'Father's honour, he affirm- 
ed our nature, obeyed and fuffered in our ftead. By his 
word he publishes, by his Spirit he applies his purchaf- 
ed redemption to our foul. In all his mediatorial proce- 
dure, he promotes our everlafting happinefs ; glorifies 
bis Father to the higheft, performs the work he gave 
him to do ; and fhall receive from him, a tranfeendant, 
an eternal reward of perfonal glory, and a numerous 
feed. What, O Redeemer, fhall I render unto thee for 
thy fervice for me 1 Truly I am thy fervant 5 I am thy 
fervant: thou haft loofed my bonds. 

43. Chrift is called a forerunner, b. His goings 
for us were of old from everlafting. With what fwift- 
nefs, fcrength, and courage ! with what patience, chear- 
fulnels, and joy did he run the race fet before him ; go 
about doing good, healing difeafes, preaching the gofpel, 
obeying the law, and fuffering death for us ! Glorious 
Jefus, how much more excellent than all ! How haft 
thou out-run and exceeded all ! how haft thou iirft en- 
tered into heaven by thy blood ; and opened the gates 
thereof for us ; and taken pofTeffion of it in our name! 
How haft thou at once paved our way, and given us 
a complete pattern ! Lord, draw me ; we will run af- 
ter thee. 

44. Chrift is compared to a burden bearers. He 
bare our fins and the punifhment thereof, in his own bo- 
dy upon the tree. He bears the care of all the churches. 
On his fhouiders of power, mercy, and love, he bears 
the perfons of all his faints, and carries them fafe to the 
manuons above: he bears their cares, in lightning their 

' preftare, and caring for them : he bears their troubles, 
in fvinpathizing with, and fupporting under them; he 
be«Hrs their burden of fervice, their work aad labour 
« Isa, xlix. 3. b Heb, vi, 20. c P;al. iv. 2. 



fj SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

Qf love, in performing it, in and for them, working m 

them to will and to do, of his good pleafnre.- It is 

thine, O Jefus, to bear me up, under every preiTtire; 
bear me out, a-Jainft every oppofition ; bear me on, 
in the way of holinefs ; bear me heme, to glory; and 
bear me in, to thy immediate embraces, that where 
thou art, I may be there alfo, to behold thy glory. 

45. Chrill refembles the kind Samaritan a. How- 
ever hated, reproached, and abufed by out race ; yet 
finding as fallen among thievifti and murderous devils 
and corruptions, and by them rendered dead in trefpaf- 
fes and fins ; when neither broken nor ceremonial, law, 
nor any thing earthly, could mew us the leail pity or 
relief; tenderly he turns aiide to us, binds up our wounds, 
applies the mod effectual medicine, commands his an- 
gels and minifters to take care of us, comfort, and help 
us with the doctrines of his word; and promifes to them 
a proper, an abundant reward. Blefled Redeemer, pafs by 
me, more than half dead ; let my time be a time of love; 
and fay unto my foul, LrvE. 

46. Chi irb refembles lazarus of the parable £. In 
his cfebafed eftate he was exceeding poor, had no help 
but in God alone ; was oppreiTed with griefs, forrows r 
wounds, and bruifes. As an humbled Saviour, he was 
divinely fent, to be offered and laid at the door of 
Scribes, Phafifees, and other Jews;- urged on their 
heart and conscience. Thefe rich in the conceit of their 
own ri^hteoufnefs ; many of them rich in worldly ho- 
nour and wealth; and every day refrefhed and delight- 
ed with the view of their numerous admirers, wickedly 
refi.fed and defpifed him. Mean while, numbers ofde- 
teit. -d publicans, unclean Gentiles, and notorious tinners, 
affectionately applied his blood and fullering, for the 
nourimment of their foul. In due time he died ; quick- 
ly he rofe again : and thereafter, amid innumerable holts 
of angels, afcriided to heaven. Soon after, Gods flam- 
ing vengeance to the nttermotl came upon his Jevvifo 
defpifers. In a hell oP trouble upon earth, they were 
partly awakened, and lift up their eyes: pirtly con- 
victed of his M- fiiahfhip, they escrndlly wifhed lor fu:- 

o Luke x. 30,— 37* frLukaxvi. 19, — 31, 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 73 

ther dernonftration thereof to themfelves, their various 
"fecis, and their brethren of the ten tribes But not- 
withftanding of their requefts, and of their relation to 
Abraham, never (hall any, but fcripture evidence, be al- 
lowed them If you believe not this, ye children of men, 
neither will ye be perfuaded though one rofe from the 
dead. 

47. Chrift is compared to a travailing woman <?. 
Ah, how dreadful the pangs, the throws, the agonies he 
underwent! How mocking the voice of his roaring! 
How neceilary this, to accomplilh and bring forth our 
everlafting falvation ! How comely and pleafant the 
fruit of his travail ; glory to God in the higheft, peace 
on earth, and good will towards men ! No more aik, 
my foul, doth a man travail with child? Wherefore 
fee I him with his hands on his loins? But afk, with 
afloni foment aik, doth the Godman travail with child? 
Why, O Redeemer, fee I thee, exceeding forrowful e- 
ven unto death, amazed and very heavy ? Why thy 
tears? thy cries? thine anguifh ? Was ever forrow 
like unto thy forrow ? But now thou remembered it no 
more, for joy that men-children are born unto God : 
Now, thou feeft thy feed, the travail of thy foul, and 

art faiUned. 

48. Chrift refemhiee a woman with acandiefweeping 
an houfe, to find a loft piece of filver b. To fearch out, 
and bring his ch&fen people to eveilaftiog life, he lights 
the candle of his infpired oracles, and preached gofpeL 
Often he fweeps nations and churches, with the befom of 
fearful calamity. He fweeps and purges pkces and per- 
fons with the difpenfation of his ordinances; which, thro* 
the opposition of men, raife a mighty flir, when they en- 
ter a country, or confeience; neverthelefs Jefus continues 
his work, till his precious, his ranfomed ones, are, to the 
praife of God, the joy of angels and faints, recovered 
from among the reprobate world, and the drofs ©f their 
own corruption. Unmatched Redeemer, how haft thou 
condefcended to feek and fave me, who was loft ! how 
precious have I been in thine eyes ! fhak not thou be 
infinitely precious in mine ! 

a Isa. lid. b Luke xv. S. 



74 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

49. Chrifl: is compared to an e.^le a. Uncdmely 
indeed were his debafsd appearances, but infinite is his 
power ; all-piercing his knowledge ; unbounded his du- 
ration and age; fpcedy his execution of his purposes ; 
deep rooted his enmity to Satan snd his Terpentine feed ; 
furious his conqueft and deftruclion of them ; powerful 
and majeftic X\\t voice of his word and providence ; my- 
fterious and incomprehenfible the track of his purpoi'e 
and work ; roy?.l and large his dominion over all things, 
efpeciriliy over the houfehold of faith. It is ^hine, 
adored Immanuel, with ftedfaft and comprehenfive view, 
to behold the uncreated sun of Godhead: thine to in- 
ftrucr thy people, and enable them to apprehend it now, 
by faith: hereafter, by immediate vifion. Thine to 
afcend on high far above all heavens, principality, and 
power ; and for ever fit down on the right hand of God; 
that, with amazing love and vigour, thy Spirit may de- 
fcend to take the prey from the mighty ; that, with 
amazing fury, thou mayeft make thine enemies thy foot- 
ftocl. It is thine to love thy children with an infinite, 
invifible love ; and by kind application of thyfelf, to bring 
them into fpi ritual existence. Thine to protect, them 
in danger, and hide them in the munitions of rocks ; 
be* 1 thru! <Mii4 weaknefs ; and, as is uecejlary^nourifk 
them with thy blood. Rejoice, my foul ; upon the two 
wings of his word and providence, fhali J, mail all the 
ranfomed efcape from our enemies. With the feathers 
of his love, his faithfulnefs, his power, and protecting 
eare, mall he cover us; and his truth mall be our fhield 
and buckler. 

50. Chrifl: compares himfelf to a hen gathering her 
chickens under her wings b. How bountilefs his love ! 
How tender his pity and companion towards hi* people! 
How kindly ! how eameftly, chiefly amid danger, he 
invites them to himfelf! How rer.dily he receives, hidas 
and protects them ! How tenderly he cherifh^s them in 
their weaknefs ! Think, my foul, how, in our behalf, he 
fubmitted to the fword of divine juftice, fought to the 
death with fin, Satan, and the woiJd ; and through his 
own poverty and want, fecures our fweet, our plentiful 

a Rev. xii. 14. b Maith. xxiii. 7. 



Of mtiaph&rs respecting Chrht. y^ 

provision. Blufh, ye gofptl-defpifers, how oft would 
the tender Jefus have gathered you, and ye would not ! 
5t. Chrift is compared to a lion a. Roja! is his 
power and dignity. Great his terrible majefty. Infinite- 
ly tender, even unto death, is his love to his feed. How 
courageous even towards God, his boldnefs, in his dif- 
fering and interceffion ! , Row narrow and unceafing his 
ohfervation of, and how fearful his indignation againft 
his enemies ; who prefurr.ptuouily oppofe, guilefully 
dificrnble with him, wilfully hurt his intereft,or wicked- 
ly injure his children ! How unbounded his reercy to 
thefe that wholly fubmit to him ! But thy defpifers, O 
Lion, fprung of the tribe of Judah. -fliall none deliver cut 
of thy hand. How full is his d^atii, like the carcafe of 
Samfon's lion, of honey and fweethefs for us ! filled in- 
deed with all'the favoury, the inexhauftible fulnefs of 
God ! How effectually' the fprinkiing ©f his blood heals 
the mod malignant gangrenes of our corruption ! How 
infallibly it pwvents our deftruclion from thefe wild 
beafts. Satan, and an evil world ! 

52. He is compared to an ox; fatling; fatted 
CALF^. How unbounded his patience! his purity ! his 
ftrength ! his nourifhing fulnefs of grace and glory ! 
How laborious in his work ! Was not he, my foul, by 
bloody fuffering, {laughter, and facriflce. prepared to 
be thy fweet, thy wholefome and nourifhing food ? His 
fiefh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed. 

53. Chrift is compared to a roe; a hind, or hart c. 
How extenfive his duration ! How great his love! his 
lovelinefs ! his gentlenefs ! How quick his motions'. 
How quickly hedifcerns his children's cafe ! How readily 
he hears their prayer ! How kindly he helps them, 
when they pafs through the waters of affliction ! 'How 
eminently he delights in fellow (hip with them ! How 
fpeedily, how triumphantly, he leaps OVER the moun- 
tains of diitance, fuffering, fin. feparation ; and ON the 
mountains of ^ofpel-ordinances, to do them good ! How 
kiniily he watches over, and cares for them, while 
young, tender, and weak! How wifely he teacheth them 

a Rev. v. 5. b Prov. ix. 2. Matth, xxii. 4. Luke xv. 23, 
e Song n. 9. Fsal. xxii. title, 



7^ m SACREfD TROPOLOGY. 

to walk in the way of his comma\\dmet\H ; and where 
to flee in' time ol danger ! tiow valiantly he fights with 
their enemies in their defence! How llrong and irre- 
concileable his hatred of the old feTpent and his feed ! 
In his debafed ftate, how thefe fattened upon and tor- 
mented him I In devouring them, 'his thirft was great; 
and his throat dried as a potiherd. In deftroying them ? 
he was obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs. 
Hunted, puriued with wo, from the morning to the end 
of his life, he was rendered the fweet, the tender, the 
divinely-allowed nourimment of our foul. Nor do his 
righteoumefs and grace ever fail to counterwork the 
rageand venom of hell. BleiTed Hind of the morning, 
wail thou early hunted with wrath ! curfed be my fins 
the caufe ! 

54. Chrift is the Lamb a. Infinite is his innocence, 
meeknefs, purity, patience, refignation, lovelinefs. How 
marvellous an oblation, a facrifice to God ! Hew expofed 
to the wrath of devils and wicked men !• How ufeful to 
cover our nakednefs, with his robes of righteoufnefs, 
and falvation ! and to be the fweet, the nourifhing, food 
of our foul ! He is the Lamb, which God begat, pre- 
pared, flew, raifed up, received into glory, fet down on 
his right hand : the Lamb, which God loves as him (elf ; 
in whom his foul delighteth. His being in the midit of 
God's throne, imports his fixed refidence, his univerfal 
influence, his equal acceffiblen'efs to all comers, and his 
having the Father's heart and eye on him continually. 
His appearing there as he had been flain, imports, that 
his honour and intercefiion for us, is tht fruit of his luf- 
fering, and reward ot his death. His feven horns, iig- 
nify his perfect power and authority over -A\ thinos 
particularly in the feven-fold period of the is'ew Telta- 
ment difpenfation,fcr thegooci of his church. Hi s feven 
eyes, denote his peifecl knowledge of ail things, pall, 
prefent, ot future 5 and Lis perfect fulneis of the divine 
Spirit in his various gifts and grace, to be flow upon his 
minifters and people on earth. Behold, my foul this 
Lamb or God, that taketh away the fin of the world. 
The marriage of the Lamb is come, and hixniclf hath 
n Rev. v. John i. 29. 






Of metaphors respecting Christ 77 

made me read jr. Quickly, O quickly may I meet him f 
as a bride adorned for her hufband ; and fo be for ever 
with the Lord ! 

$$. Chriil compares himfelf x to a fcarlet-coleuraol 
worm a. He affumed our weak and earthly nature ; he 
condescended to the deepeft abafement ; our fcarlet-like 
iniquities, our crirnfon crimes were imputed to, and 
laid upon him ; the punifhment thereof, the fatisfaction. 
therefore, was exacted, and he anfwered it. Ah ! how 
expofed to oppreflion, fufFering, deteftation, contempt ! 
In the garden ; on the crofs, how bedewed ! how reddened 
with his own blood ! Take heed, my foul ; beware thoo. 
trample him under thy feet : crucify not the Son of 
God afrefh; nor put him to an open (hame. O fweet ! 
O mocking ! why, great Jehovah, waft thou made a 
worm, a bruifed, a bloody worm for ME ! Bread of life, 
why hungry for me ! Fountain of living waters, why 
thirfty for me ! Confolation of Ifrael, why a man of 
forrows for me ! Holy one, why made fin for ME I 
Adored Immanuel, why defpifed, rejected, and con- 
temned for me ! Bleffed for ever, why made a curfe for 
ME ! Plant of renown, why a reproach of men for ME I 
Brightnefs of the Father's glory, why thy vifage mar- 
red ! why abufed with ihame and fpitting for ME ! Ora- 
niprefent, exalted God, why tout up in a (table, nailed 
to a crofs for me ! Life eternal, why murdered by my 
fins ! why, love (lain for me ! 

56. Chrift is called the name of God b. In him the 
glory, the perfections, the titles, ordinances, words, and 
works of God, do centre and are illuftrioufly difplayed. 
By knowing him, I know the Father, who he is, the 
holy One of Ifrael, the Father of light, glory, mercy, 
and grace ; the God of all grace, patience ; falvation, 
and comfort $ my God, and mine exceeding joy. How 
fweet ! how lofty this name 1 Can they who know it, 
forbear to truft in it ? 

57. He is called the image of God c. In his divine 
fonfhip, he is a perfon diftinct from, perfectly like to, 
and equal with the Father ; the brightnefs, the bright 
reprefentation of his glory, and equally precious to the 

a JPsal. xxii. 6. b Psal. xxv, 1 1 . Exod. xxiii. 21, a Heb. *• S« 
G 



76 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

faints. As Mediator, he is the moll illuftrious work 
of God. In his undertaking, his birth, life, death; in 
his .afcenfion, interceiiion, fecond coming, and unceaiing 
glory ; in his faving office of Surety, Mediator, Re- 
deemer, Prophet, Prieft, and King ; in his amiable re- 
lations, appearances, and works, are the ififinity, the 
eternity, unchangeablenefs, wifdom, power, holinefs, 
juftice, goodnefs, truth, fovereignty, love, mercy, and 
majefty of God, with the fubfiftence of his undivided 
eftence in three diftinct perfons, harmonicufly, clearly, 
and glorioufly, unfolded and represented. Truly, O Jefus, 
he that hath feen thee, hath feen the Father alio. Thrice 
wondrous ! in one perfon, Jehovah's adequate image, 
and the likenefs of finful flefL ! Turn afide, my foul, and 
behold this great light. 

58. Chrift is called the power of God a. In his di- 
vine perfon, he is poffefTed of the fame infinite power 
with his Father aud blefled Spirit. In the union of his 
infinitely different, hi3 oppofite natures ; in God's pun i fil- 
ing him for our fin, and fupporting him under it ; in 
his numerous miracles ; in his bearing our fins, and 
rendering full fa tis faction for them ; in his riling from 
the fealed, the watched grave, as our quickening head ; 
in his afcending to glory, and fitting down on the right 
hand of the Majefty on high ; in his eternal and ever 
prevalent interctfxion ; in his judging the world, and 
executing his decifive fentences ; in his removing our 
guilt, by j unification ; in his removing the power and 
filth of our fin by regeneration and falsification ; in his 
bearing with our unnumbered infirmities and provoca- 
tions ; in his preferving us from dangers*, fnares, and 
temptations, more than the h^irs of our head; in his 
bearing us to a ftate of unfpotted holinefs, and everlaft- 
ing joy ; is the almighty power of God, Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghoft, vigoroufly exerted, and illuitrioufly dif- 
played. O to know, to feci, the exceeding greatnefs $ 
the heart captivating force thereof! 

39. He is called the wisdom of God b. As fecond 
perfon in the adored Godhead, he is infinitely wife and 
prudent. As Mediator, he is the foundation of all the 
a 1 Ccr. i. 24. b 1 Cor. i, 24. P.ov. viii. ix. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 79 

counfels of God. In the conftitution of his perfon; in 
his having ofrices, relations, and acls ; how clearly is the 
manifold wifdom of God manifefted ! Here natures in- 
finitely diitin6t,are clofdy, are infeparably joined. Here, 
in the purpofe, the promife, the purchafe, and applica. 
tion of our redemption, mercy meets with truth, righ- 
teoufnefs and peace kifs each other. Here divine juftice 
is fatisfied in nature that finned. Satan conquered in the 
nature he corrupted. Sin is condemned and deflroyed, 
while the {inner is acquitted and faved. Sin, the worfl 
of all things, occasions the higheft honour to God whom 
it had offended ; and the greater! felicity to tranfgrelTors, 
whom it had ruined. The innocent, the holy One and 
the Juil, is juftly condemned, and punifhed ; while un- 
godly criminals are righteoully acqaitted, accepted, and 
rewarded, with endlefs and inconceiveableblifs. Ever- 
1 ailing life to the betrayers and murderers, flows from 
the death of God. Sinners are faved according to the 
riches of his grace, and yet in equity molt ftrict. 
Temptations and troubles are made to work for us, an 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. And in thee, 
O Jefus, are hid all the treafures of wifdom and know- 
ledge, to communicate to men. Whatever therefore 
thou art to Jews or Greeks, be to me the wifdom of God, 
and the power of God. 

60. Chrift is called love a. How aflonifliing his kind- 
nefs to unworthy finful men ! in undertaking our debt! 
in affumins: o ,jr iikenefs of finful flefh ! in fulfilling our 
bond-fervice ! fufxcring and dying in our fie ad ! and rifiitg 
again for our juftincation ! in afcending to prepare ce- 
leftial manfions for us! in appearing in the prefence of 
God for us as our advocate ! and in his coming the fe- 
cond time without fin unto our falvation ! O his kirid- 
nefs in inviting, in feeking and faving that which was 
lofl ! in convincing, in enlightening, in converting and 
efpoufing us to himfelf ! in forgiving our fin, accepting 
our perfon, and cleanfing our nature ! in fupporting our 
fpirit, cheering our heart, and allowing us the moil fa- 
miliar fellowfnip, and endlefs intimacy with himfelf ! 
O the love of God to him, and to us ; in giving him to 
G 2 

a Songii. 7. 



to SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

MS, dur fiirety, our hufband, our portion ! O blefled 
channel of Jehovah's love to us, and of ours to him ! 
-Bleffed author, caufe, and object of our love ! and who, 
in thy perfon, thy nature, thy names, thy qualities, thy 
office, relations, appearances, Hates, words, and works, 
art altogether lovely ! Defpifed, detefled, be my love, 
that is not fixed on thee. 

61. Chrift is called the truth a. He is the true 
God, and the true, the fole Mediator between God and 
man : the true, the only way to the Father. In his in- 
carnation, fuffering, refurrection, and work, how clearly 
marked the untainted faithfulnefs of God in every pro- 
snife and threatening ! How plain that he is the truth 
and fubftance of all the promifes ; of all the ancient ce- 
remonies ! the repofitory, centre, matter, chief preacher, 
and witnefs of all infpired truth ! the ftore-houfe anddif- 
penfer of all true holinefs and happinefs ! If I profefs to 
be his, let truth be in my inward part ; let me love the 
peace, and the truth ; receive infpired truth in the love 
of it j and fpeak alway the truth to my neighbour. 

62. Chrift is called the Word of God b. He is the 
cxprefs image of the Father's perfon and mind. In the 
council of peace he fpoke for us ; undertook as our 
furety. In the beginning he fpoke all things out of no- 
thing. In his interceffion with the Father, he ever fpeaks 
en our behalf, By his word and Spirit, he fpeaks to 
our.ear, our heart. He is the author, the interpreter, 
the witnefs, the f u bjecl- matter and fcope of God's writ- 
ten word. Infpired page, if he is thy all in all, be thou 
the darling of my heart. 

63. Chrift is called the mercy promifed c. Without 
controverfy he is the greateft blefiing ever promifed, of- 
fered, or given by a gracious God to finful wretched 
men. He is the contriver, the purchafer, the price, the 
repofitory, the difpenfer, the centre, the fubftance, the 
glory and end, of all the gracious benefits of the new 
covenant. Give thanks, my foul, to God, for he is good ; 
for his mercy endureth for ever. Thy mercy, Lord, 
id in the heavens ; earth is of thy mercies full. 

a John xiv. 6. b John i. I. Rev. xix. 13. 

c Lukei. 68, 72, 7> 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. g f 

64. Chrift is called the unfpeakable gift of God a. 
Freely, without conftraint, without requeft, without de- 
fert, without hope of any requital, without money and 
without price, God, in the council of peace, and in his 
debafed eftate, gave him for us as our furety andranfom. 
Now, in the gofpel invitation and promife,he gives him 
as a complete, able, willing, and ready Saviour, a glori- 
ous hufband, and everlafting portion to us, as miners, 
even the chief. Is not unfpeakable love the fole fource 
and motive of the donation ? Is there not in him all in- 
expreffible, all inconceivable goodnefs, all the treafures 
of wiidom and knowledge ? Is he not made of God to 
us unfpeakable fulnefs of wifdom, rightcoufnefs, fandti- 
fication, and redemption ? How unfpeakabh r precious 
and nfeful, in his perfpn, office, and work ! From what 
unfpeakable corruption and mifery ; and to what un- 
fpeakable holinefs and felecity doth he fave us ! How 
unfpeakably his entrance into our heart endears God; 
makes room for him in our inmoft fuul ; and worketh 
iu us, gladnefs and joy unfpeakable, and full of glory ! 
And through what unfpeakable, inconceivable duration, 
lhall he abide with us as our God, and our all ! Thanks 
be to God for his unfpeakable gift. 

65. Chrift is called the covenant given to the peo- 
ple b. He is the foundation, the framer, the furni flier, 
the fulfilicrof the new covenant. . He is the furety, the 
Mediator, the prieft, the truftee, the teflator, the pro- 
p!o r, interpreter, meffenger, witnefs, and king of it. 
Its condition he undertook and performed . its blefflngs 
he purchafed ; and is the fubftanee and glory thereof. 
All of them are primarily promifed to him, and lodged 
in his hand. According to the terms of it, he bellows 
them upon linful men, who, clothed with his righteouf- 
nefs, quickened by his Spirit, do, in his ftrength, lay hold 
on it, enter into the bond of it> and perform the grati- 
tude required by the law thereof. Blefle'd covenant, 
thou art all my falvation, and all my delire. 

66. Chrift is called our peace c. From eternity he 
deviled the matter, the means, the meafure of our peace 

G3 

ai Cor. ix. 15. b Isa t xlii,6, and xlix. 8. 

t Micah v. 5. Eph. ij. 14. 



^2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

with God ; with'our confcience ; with neighbours ; with 
angels; with animals; with creatures unnumbered. 
With his blood he purchafed it. His continuance in our 
nature is the unceafing pledge and fecurity of it. His 
advocacy before God procures and maintains the actual 
pofTeffion of it. In the blefled gofpel he preaches it to 
them that are afar off, and to them that are near. In our 
new birth, our pardon, our acceptance, our adoption, 
fancthication, and endlefs felicity, he, by his Spirit, ap- 
plies it; flays our enmity ; and conilrains us to love God, 
whofirft loved us. By his incarnation and death, he made 
of Jews and Gentiles one new man, fo making peace. 
BlefTed Teconciler of all things, author, means, and end, of 
all true peace in the church, militant or triumphant ; 
thy peace thou haft left us; peace thou haft given us; not 
fparingly, not revocably, as the world giveth. In the 
tvorld we mall have tribulation ; but in thee we fhaH 
have peace. Thy covenant-office (hail not be broken. 

67. Ghrift is called the salvation of God «. Of 
cur great deliverance from fin and wo, to everlafting 
holinefs and happinefs, his love is the fource, the moving 
caufe ; his wifdom the devifer; his blood the price; 
his perfon and fulnefs the fubftance, the repofitory ; his 
word the publifher; hisfpirit the applier and confirmer ; 
his glory the end. Blefs the Lord, O my foul, that he 
remembered us in our low eftate. He hath devifed 
means that his banilhed be not expelled from him. He 
hath delivered my foul from the loweft hell. The Lord 
Jehovah is my ftrength and fong ; he alfo is become 
my falvation. 

68. Chrift is called the consolation of Ifrael £. He 
is the devifer, the procurer, the price, the difpenfer, the 
matter, and ground, the end of all our true joy and com- 
fort. In his undertaking, his perfon, his office, his acts, 
paft, prefent, and future, how our fpirit rejoiceth in God 
our Saviour ! In every divine perfon, character, word, 
and work, as manifefted in him, how exceedingly we re- 
joice, and are glad ! how comforted when call down 1 In 
him fhall I be juftiiied, preferved, and fan&ified ; and 
ia him will I glory. Nor principalities, nor powers, 

hi, xliz. 6, h Luke ii. 2$. 



iw Of metaphors respecting Christ. §3 

nor fin, nor trouble, nor death, mall flop me of this boafl- 
ing. Rejoice, my foul, in the Lord} and again rejoice* 
Rejoice evermore. 

69. Chrifl is called the resurrection a. By his in- 
carnation, his death, his refurre&ion, and fpiritual influ- 
ence,!^ recovers us from the fling of a natural, and from 
the power of fpiritual and eternal death. The honour 
of the divine perfections, and broken law, man's primi- 
tive integrity, knowledge, righteoufnefs, holinefs, peace, 
friendfhip, and intimacy with God, he recovers from 
death, rubbifh, and ruin. He is the life-giving fource 
and author of our faith, our hope, our repentance, love, 
and new obedience. His it is to revive our languifhing 
graces and comforts ; toreflore the expiring life, beauty, 
and order of his church ; to quicken the dead, and bring 
them out of their graves; fome to everlafling life, and 
fome to everlafling ftiame and contempt; He that be- 
lie veth on him, though he were dead, yet fhall he live. 

70. Chrift is called the life b. He is the living God, 
which giveth life and breath unto all things. In his wif- 
dom and love he devifed ; with his obedience, fuffering, 
and death he purGhafed ; in himfelf he exemplifies ; by 
his interceflion he procures; from his fulnefs he gives; 
by his word and Spirit he conveys and maintains ; him- 
felf and fulnefs are the matter, and his glory the end of, 
our life of juftirlcation, holinefs, comfort, and endlefs 
felicity. It is his to revive us again ; reftore our faint- 
ing foul ; and render us lively and active in the fervice 
of God. Is my life hid with Chrifl in God, that when 
he who is my life fhall appear, I may alfo appear with 
him in glory ? Am I crucified with Chrift, and yet 
live ; and yet not I, but Chrifl liveth in me ? Is the 
life that I live, by faith on the Son of God, who loved 
me, and gave himfelf for me ? 

71. Chrift is called light c. He is the excellency, the 
jnfluencer, the director, the glory of all things. Coequal 
with his eternal Father, that divine Son, how fweet, plea- 
fant, incomprehenfible, bright, and glorious ! He gives 
the power of vifion ; is the caufe, means, and firft object 
©f fpiritual knowledge ; is feen in his own influence, and 

« John xi. 25, b 1 John v, 20, ( John i. 4, % and viii. 12. 



84 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

by his own light, It is thine, O light of life, to diffufe 
beauty, cheerfulnefs, joy, and life, among thy people. 
Thine, by thy prefence, to chafe away the ihadcws and 
darknefs of ignorance, corruption, and wo. Without 
thee, every thing appears to lofe its beauty and come- 
linefs ; exiflence, enjoyments, creation, nay Godhead, 
appears an unfightly, an awful, fpeclre to my foul. How 
free, common, accefiible, and ufeful ! and yet only re- 
ported of, to multitudes of blind finners, who never be- 
held thy brightnefs ! It is thine to difcover things in 
their true nature : and hence how hated, how fhunned 
by men, whofe foolifh heart is darkened ; whofe deeds 
are evil ! Thine, without contracting any defilement, to 
penetrate, to mine into, denied churches and fouls. 
How fwift thy approaches to, and thy motions in our 
heart ! And as the lightening cometh from the eaft, and 
fhineth unto the well; fo mall thy coming O Son of man 
be. BlefTed author, purchafer, price, repofitoi'y, be- 
llower, fubltance, of all our light, fpirituai and eternal, 
when I fit in darknefs be thou a light unto me ; my e- 
verlafiing light, my God, my glory. 

72. Chrift is called the day-spring from on high a. 
He is the Mod Hip^h, God over all blelT^d for ever, a- 
men. How neceiTary ! how choice ! how refrefhful a 
bleffing to men i Breaking up and appearing for us in 
the council of peace ; breaking forth towards us in an- 
cient promifes and types; in his actual incarnation ; in 
his obediential life, bloody death, and glorious refur- 
re&ion ; viiiting us in the gofpel-revelation ; manifeft- 
ing himfelf to us in the moment of converfion, of re- 
newed difcoveries of his love, of death, and at the lad 
day, he, after a fad cold and dark night of ignorance 
corruption, trouble, or death, doth in a moll fovereign, 
certain, free, gradual, end irrefiftible manner, roufe, re- 
frcfh, quicken, and enlighten his people or church; 
and manifefl his own glory - and introduce a pleafant, 
a happy day of love, of grace, of power, of falvation, of 
fpirituai efpoufals, of life, of liberty, of everlalting fe- 
lr:ir, 1 ■ ration, and praife. Dawn, O DAY- 

a Luke i. *>S % 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 85 

spring, on my foul, on the world. Let the whole earth 
thy glory fill. Amen, and amen. 

73. Chrift is called the sun of righteoufnefs with heal- 
ing in his wings a. All things are obvious, naked, and 
open to him. He is the only fountain of faving light and 
knowledge. From him do angels, minifters, and faints, 
derive their whole infight into the myftery of our falva- 
tion. How wonderful ! how unbounded ! how high ! how 
fovereign ! how comely ! how glorious ! how pure, un- 
dented, and undeniable ! how pleafant ! how ufeful our 
bleffed Sun ! How cheerfully ! how freely ! how regu- 
larly ! how conilantly ! how unweariedly ! how power- 
fully ! how extenfively ! he communicates his convincing, 
his enlightening, his heart penetrating, warming, and 
melting ; his foul quickening, healing, refrefhing, direc- 
ting, and fructifying ; his fin-withering and con fuming 
influence ! How truly is he the reftful centre of all things, 
chiefly of you redeemed, and of all your concerns ! How 
fall fixed in his fphere ! No principality nor power, nor 
fin, nor trouble, nor death, fhall ever pluck him from, 
his ftation, in the new covenant, in the third heaven, in 
the church, or in my heart ; nor ever arreft his courfe. 
Not ten thoufand lamps of ordinances, minifters, or graces ; 
not ten thoufand moons of creation, but his countenance 
alone, can give day to my foul. It is thine, bleffed Sun, 
to bring life and immortality to light ; to guide our feet 
in the way of peace. Oh, how fweet to walk in thy 
light, and work out our falvation with fear and tremb- 
ling ! It is thine, to warm my cold affections, to melt 
my frozen heart, to enkindle my foul into an unquench- 
able flame of love. Thine to difpel my clouds of igno- 
rance, guilt, defertion, temptation ; to chafe thefe fha- 
dows as far as eaft is diftant from the weft. Thine to 
gild my clouds of trouble, and make my darknefs, my 
death, my grave, to fmile. Thine to chear my heart, 
call forth my flowers of grace, make them call out their 
roots, andfpread their fmell as Lebanon. None, O Jefus, 
remain in darknefs, but who fhut their eyes to thy illu- 
mination. Ye fons of floth, you offspring of darknefs, a- 
wake from your ileep ; arife that Chrift may give you 
* Mai. iv, 3. 



85 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

light. It is high time for you to awake ; the day of 
your life is far fpent ; now is your damnation, if mercy 
prevent not, nearer than when youwere conceived. How 
different, Lord, the tendency of thy folar, thy gofpei light ! 
how it operates according to the nature of thefe on whom 
it mines ! Some are inftrucled, melted, fructified, and ri- 
pened in grace; others are blinded, offended, hardened, 
fcorched, and fitted for endlefs fire. Bleffcd Sun, how di- 
verfified thy appearance ! thy perceived influence ! Now, 
the clear fhine of thy incomprehenfible brightnefs, makes 
all my heart to leap, and all my lot to fmile. with joy and 
gladnefs. Viewed, in the firm faith that thou art mine, 
the defert of adverfity, the valley of the (hadowof death, 
blovToms as trie rofe; the excellency of Carmel and Sha- 
ron is given to it ; I account myfelf above all, loaded with 
loving-kindnefs, and tender mercies. Dazzled with thy 
glory, thatexcelleth, my eyes lofe fight of created, comely 
fcenes ; I tread the moon of this world, under my feet : 
I count all but lofs, but dung, for the excellency of Chrirfc 
Jefus my Lord : all my powers cry out, O Lord, who is 
like unto thee ? Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and 
there is none on earth that I defire beiides thee. Anon, 
how beclouded with black defert ion, towering guilt, fla- 
vifh fear, and' raging corruption! How eclipfed by our 
earthly moon ! Her cares, her comforts, come between 
thee, and my heart 1 Ah, how they hide thy face, {hear 
thy rays, and blot out the day from my foul! How oft 
is my fun put down at noon ! Now, blefTed Lord, thy 
near approach, thy high elevation, create the fummer of 
my foul: I bafk, I melt, below thy warming ravs; am 
love-fickened with thy genial heat. Anon, thou doft 
withdraw, and {lands from me afar ; fure caufe of in- 
ward wintry wo ! What then fucceeds ? A withered, 
fruitlefs, miry life ; a faint, a frozen, carelefs heart ! 
Have I forgot the (hocking period, when the fun him- 
felf was darkened; the caufe of lurnmer bewintered ! 
Bright Sun ! brightnefs of the Father's glory! how waft 
thou turned into blacknefs, and to blood? how fall from 
heaven ! lie groaning on the ground ! hang fixed to a 
crofs ! defcend to the fides of the pit ! darknefs thy 
curtain, and thy bed the grave! the aftonifhed earth on 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 87 

trembling fell! created fun was {hocked to fee thy {hame! 
How I faw ! ten thoufands faw thee fet in darknefs, and 
in purple gore ! Vile, rocky, fhamelefs heart, didft fee, 
and fit unmoved at the fight ! Curfed be my fins, my 
] nfts, the guilty eaufe. But happy morn! I by faith 
faw him burft the bonds of death? I faw him rife; 
rife with ten thoufand charms ; my fmilhed ranfom ; 
my endlefs light; my God ; my glory ;. and my all in 
ALL ! I faw him rife with thoufands of once fallen, but 
now riling ftars. I felt the railing power, and ftraight 
with him did mount, to plant the new-framed heavens of 
grace. How, blefTed Jefas, by rifing in the ancient pro- 
mife, didft thou difpel the midnight ignorance, and utter 
hopeleflhefs of men ! By rifing in thy birth, thy death, 
thy refurrection, and afcenfion, difpel the darknefs, and 
chafe away the fhadows of Hebrew ceremonies ! By a- 
rifing in gofpel ordinances, abolilh the winter of Hea- 
thenifm, error, and deluficn ! By rifing in thy fpiritual 
influence, how thou turned our darknefs into light ; 
makeit our darkened fouls become light in the Lord ! 
By rifing to judgment, how thou wilt totally, wilt final- 
ly, difpel the darknefs of ignorance and error ! banifli 
th?± cold of fin,trouble, temptation or death! chafe far oC 
every madow of imperfection, of vain imagination ! ex- 
tinguish, every candle of minifter, ordinance, or fcrip- 
ture ! and ufiier in the eternal neon of perfect viiion, 
and unclouded glory! Eternal Sun, whofe morning 
meafures all our temporary periods of duration, gradu- 
ally halt thou rifen all along ; and gradually thou rifeft 
in my foul. when wilt thou attain thy blefifed me- 
ridian, that in my flefh I may fee God ; fee him as he 
is, and know him even as I am known ! Art not thou, the 
Sun of righteoufnefs ? Thine it is to bring in an everiaft- 
ing righteoufnefs. Thine to declare and preach the righ- 
teoufnefs of God. Thine, by the imputation of thy life, 
thy death, and by the influence of thy graee, to render 
all thy people righteous. O the healing in thy wings ! 
If 1 but fee thy countenance; if I feel thy rays ; 3 am 
made whole of whatfoever difeafe I had. 

74. Chrilt is called the morning-star*. In greatnefs, 
a Rev. ii. 28. 



S8 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

and conftancy, how far his height, his glory, his benign 
influence, tranfcend thefe of angels and minifters ! Who, 
O Jefus, among gods, or ftars, is like unto thee! O great 
ornament in the firmament of the creation and church, 
it is thine to guide thy chofen in this world ; chiefly in 
the winter of their affii&ion. Thine to be the fure pledge 
of an approaching, an' everlafting glory. Thou art the 
firft and the laft; the Alpha and Omega of all our falva- 
tion, and all our defire : the author and the finifher of 
our knowledge, our faith, our hope, our repentance, love 
and new obedience ; our evening, our morning comfor- 
ter and guide. Nothing can pluck thee from thy office 
and ftation. Nothing can arreft thy courfe, or retard 
thy coming to fuffer or fave. To the adulterous and 
thievifh fons of obfcurity, how unwelcome and terrible 
thy brightnefs ! But how defired of thefe, who hate the 
unfruitful works of darknefs ! Thy coming in the flelh 
uftiered in the day of the gofpel-period; Thy fpiritual 
advent ufhers in the day of effectual falvation. Thy 
coming in the clouds mail introduce a day of univerfal 
account, and of endlefs glory. Is this day-ftar, my foul, 
rifen in thy heart ? 

75. Chrift is compared to rain and dew. a. Jehovah 
alone is his Father. He is at once the Lord from heaven; 
and the virgin's fon, the fruit of the earth. From the 
vaft ocean of redeeming love, his offices, his relations, 
his promifes, and influences, proceed; and to the glory 
thereof, they return and redound. O how fovereign ! 
how feafonable ! how gradual ! how comely ! how nume- 
rous and neceffary ! how refrefhful ! how reviving, and 
nourifhing, and fructifying, their applications to our 
heart ! 

76. Chrift is a fountain or well b. In the council 
©f peace, in his incarnation and death, he was digged by 
his Father. In his perfon, his office, his relations, his 
righteoufnefs, and grace, what a marvellous, a deep, an 
abundant, a never-failing fource of all neceffary, free, 
plentiful, pure, pleafant, refrefhful, heart cooling, com- 
forting, cle anting, quickening, and fructifying influence 
to men I and which are efpecially conveyed to them, 

aPsal. lxxii. ilg»ca xiv. b Song iv. 15. Zech. xiii. j. 



Of metaphors refpettwg God 89 

while they are abafed in his fight ! Thrice bleued, that, 
by purifying millions of polluted fouls, himfelf can ne- 
ver contract defilement, He is a fountain of gardens for 
the ufe of his churches; inthefe; iti his worfhipping 
alTemhiies , in the hearts of hia people; his influence 
breaks forth, and is efTeclual. He is a fountain of living; 
waters. The ever-frelh influence of his word, his blood, 
his Spirit, begets life in dead finners, maintains it in 
faints, reflores it when languiftnng, and perfects it itko 
life eternal. He is a fountain opened. Publicly and 
f reel j is he exhibited to every {inner in the gofpel ; and 
conitant .is our acuefs to apply his word, his blood, 
his Spirit, for our purification. So," Je'fus, fprinkle thou 
many nations. Except thou warn me, lean have no 
part in thee. 

77. Ghrilt is compared to rivers of water in a dry 
place a. To you, ions of men, who live in. the dry, tfoiz 
barren, the blalted, withered wildernefs of this world ; 
to you who are in the barren, faplefs ftate of nature ; to 
you who are in a fcorched, withered, and lifelefs condi- 
tion; there is in him an open, free, common, a perpetual, 
pure, frefh, ever-running, and abundant fulnefs of clean- 
ling, comforting ftrengthening ; of fructifying, adorning., 
enriching, protecting power, grace, love, wifdorn, righ- 
teoufnefs, fanctification, and redemption. Here drink, 
here bathe, my foul ; drink, yea, drink, and wafh abun- 
dantly, O beloved. 

78. Ghrift is called streams from Lebanon £. From 
the bowels of Godhead, do his Mediatory office and ful- 
nefs proceed. From the high mountain of his divine per- 
fon 3 do his influences flream. How vaiious their form and. 
effect! How powerfully they bear down, conquer, and re- 
move every impediment of fin, unworthmeib,- or guilt ! 
How free! how cooling! how pleafant ! how refrefhfui, 
nourifhing, and conitant ! Ho every one that thirtieth, 
come ye to the waters; whomever will, let him take of 
the water of life freely ; come to him, and drink. Ne- 
ver, ye chief of finners, fhali you be able to exhauh, 
and draw up this overflowing Jordan into your mouth. 
Ye leprous Syrians, warn here; wafh feven times and 

<* isa, xxxii. 2. k Song v. 2$, 

H 



9<3 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

be clean Will men leave this fnow of Lebanon, that 
cometh from the Pvock of ages, the rock of the rleld, the 
free, the common, the obvious Saviour? Shall the cold 
flowing waters, that come from the heavenly place, be 
forfaken ? 

79. Chrift is compared to a tree a. How deep-rooted 
in felf-exiflence, abiblute independency, and immutabi- 
lity, is liis divine perfon! How ftrong ! how durable, ex- 
alted, and glorious ! How firmly rooted in the everlaft- 
ing. and infinite love, in the unchangeable perfections 
and purpofes of God, are the confutation of his perfon 
as God-man, and his mediatory cfHce ! In his humble 
birth, how in his manhood grtw he up, as a root out 
of adry ground! In his life afflicted and forrowful, how 
grew he up ! how increafed he in grace, and in favour 
with God and with men ! In his fuffering, hew the axe 
of his Father's wrath was laid to the -root of the tree ! 
In his death how cut down ! Three days and three 
nights, he lay prohhate in his grave. In his resurrec- 
tion, in his afcenfion, he grtw up to aftonifhing height, 
tranfeending both angela and men. Now he is planted, 
he grows on the high mountain and eminent of his 
Father's right hand ; on the lofty ordinances of the gof- 
pel-church. In him there is abundant fap, a never-tail- 
ing fulnefs of grace and glory. Among the branches, and 
under the ihaCow,of his excellencies, ofliccs, and relations, 
do the ranfomed birds of paradiie fix thcmfelves, and ling 
forth his praife. 

80. Chrift is called the tree of life b. He prepared, 
he purchafed, he offers, he bellows, he reflores, main- 
tains, and perfects our life, fpiritual and eternal. He is 
the food on which we now live by faith : the certain 
pledge that we fhall live for ever ; becaufe he lives, we 
ihall live alfo : and when pie who is our life (hall ap- 
pear, we fhall alfo appear with him in glory. He grows 
in the ftreet, and on either fide of the river in every 
gofpel-ordinance, lie is exhibited: to men in general, 
wicked, or gracious, Jews, or Gentiles, he is offered : 
every where, in his church militant, or triumphant, is 
he prefent, and ia the life, the open refrefliment, the 
a Efcek. xvii. 22.— -2 * 6 Rev. xxii. 2. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, §«. 

fubftance, the fupport, and glory thereof. And by the 
influence of the bleffed Spirit, that river of life, is he 
apprehended and enjoyed. He bears twelve manner of 
fruits every month : by him an angry God is appeafed 
and reconciled ; juftice is fatisfied ; the broken lav/ is 
magnified; an everlafting righteoufnefs brought in ; the 
covenant of grace confirmed ; Satan conquered ; our fin 
pardoned and fubdued; our perfons accepted ; our hopes 
of glory recovered ; our victory over fin, Satan, death, 
and an evil world, fecured ; minifterial gifts bellowed; 
the gofpel publifhed ; the Holy Ghoft fent to fanclify, 
preferve, direct, and comfort us ; the manuons of hea- 
ven prepared for us ; freedom from a broken covenant, 
a ceremonial law, and Satanic temptations ; boldnefs to- 
wards God; familiar intimacy with him; a full and 
ready anfwer to every charge, that can be laid againft 
us, before him ; the favourable acceptance of our good 
works ; the conflant hearing and feafonable granting of 
our requefts ; a believing aliarance of all new covenant- 
bleflmgs, are infallibly fecured. All are ever ripe and 
ready, for the enjoyment of his people, in every cafe de- 
lightful or grievous. His leaves for the healing of the 
nations, are his word, his ordinances, and fpiritual influ- 
ence, which communicate fpiritual healing to the nations 
of them that are fayed,- in every age, place, and condi- 
tion. 

8 1. Chrift is compared to an apple- tree a. In ufe, 
fulnefs, for honouring his Father, and faving his people* 
in comelinefs and beauty, he infinitely tranfeends angels 
and men; he is the darling, the chief care of Heaven. 
Eaiily is his honour injured: quickly is he touched with 
the injuries done to his children. For us, he bears the 
wholefome, the fweet, the favoury, the cooling, refrefh- 
ing, the healing, the'love-exciting, apples of everlafting 
righteoufnefs, of pardon, acceptance, regeneration, adop- 
tion, faadincation, of fpiritual peace, comfort, and endlefs 
happinefs. How favoury ! how medicinal, are the very 
leaves and bloilbms of his word and ordinances, to theie 
who labour under the fenie of their fpiritual enmity, 
ignorance, pride, hypocrify ; of malice, Qnvy^ unbelief, 

a Song ii. 3. 
H2 



9 2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

legality, earthly mindednefs ; of heart- wandering, dead- 
nefs, or other inward plagues ! If by faith, we touch 
the hem of his garment, we ifiaU be made whole. But 
if the FOMECITKON TREE be here meant, Ghrift is com- 
pared to it, for his greamefs and excellency. In the 
production, how bitter tailed to him, his fruits fo fra- 
grant to us ! and amid what bitter tribulations we now 
experience their delightful fweetnels ! How contfanily 
ripe ! how effectual a remedy againft the poifon of fin ! 
How they ftrengthen, arid perfume cur fpiritua] breath! 
Sit, my iou], under his (hadow with great delight, and 
let his fruit be fweet to my taftei 

82. Chrifl is compared to a CEDAR-TREE a. How in- 
finite the depth, the firmnefs of his root ; his Godhead • 
How high ! how excellent ! how ftrong, firm, and incor- 
ruptible ! hoWever-flourilhing and comely ! In his incar- 
nation, he grew as a root out of dry ground. In his hu- 
miliation, how expoied to ilorms and fuffering ! How 
complete.' how extenfive and refreshing the fhadow of 
his protection and rignteoufnefs ! How abundant his 
fuinefs of fap ! of grace and virtue ! How manifold his 
ufe in erecting the temple! the church ! the new-cove- 
nant building of mercy ! and the frame of grace in our 
heart ! How fweet ! how fragrant to our foul, his per- 
ion, his office, his relations, his names, his ordinances, 
righteoufnefs, and grace ! is he to me as Lebanon, ex- 
cellent as the cedars ! 

83. Chrift is compared to a FIR-TREE />. In his de- 
baiement, he fpru.ng up in a barren ground, from a de- 
generate nation, frcm a debafed family, and an impover- 
ifhed virgin ; and grew up in the cold, tne barren foil of 
a blafted world, a low, an tfilicled life. How infinite 
nis excellency and comelinels ! h«w untainted his in- 
tegrity and uprightnefs ! Exalted to the right hand of the 
Majefty on higbj how he bends downward his boughs of 
proinifcs and influences, that he may dwell with, and 
»>e apprehended and held fall by the debafed tranf- 
greffor, the humble foul ! How perpetually verdant; 
the fame vt fit rdi^v, to day, and lor ever ! How unfading 
iiii glory ! How free from every knot of corruption ! 
a Song v. 15. E*cl<. xvii. 23. b Rosea xiv. 8. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 93 

How unbounded his fap, his fulnefs of grace! of glory ! 
In him it.pleafed the Father that all fulnefs fhould dwell! 
How completely he protects his chofen from the heat, 
the dorm of almighty vengeance, and of the temptations 
of Satan! How he expofed his head, his heart, for our 
fake ! How fweet ! how op*n ! how abundant the accefs 
of unclean ftrokes of polluted tinners to enter and abide 
under the ihadow of his brunches ! My foul, make him 
thy houfe, thy fafe, thine endlefs habitation. 

84. Chriit is compared to an olive-tree, or two 
olive BRANCHES a. Infinite is thefaluefs of grace, which 
refides in his complex perfon. Infinite is his readinefs 
to communicate it to his people. And what a fare em- 
blem of perfect peace between God, and my foul ! If I 
hear of him in the gofpel, it is the voice of the Lord, 
faying, Peace, peace to him that is afar off, and to him 
that is near. If I believe ; if I feel him in my heart ; 
God keeps me in perfect peace : his covenant of peace 
fhall not be broken. 

85. Chrift is compared to a cluster of copher in 
the vineyards of Engedi b. \l co?her mean the cyprus- 
vine ; Chriit refembles it in his abundant, his nouriGi- 
ing, his ilrengthening, and comforting virtue. If it mean 
the cyprefs-tree ; Chrift refembles it in his fweetnefs, 
his purity, his healing, and anointing virtue ; his ever 
appearing as our dying, our crucified Redeemer. \i it 
fignify the cypirus or fword-grafs; Chrift refembles it 
in his fruittulnefs, his favourinefs, his marvellous vir- 
tue to ftrengthen our foul, and heal the bites, the flings, 
the wounds made by the old ferpent. If it means dates, 
the fruit of the palm-tree ; Chrift refembles them in his 
ivide-fpread renown, his infinite fweemefs, and nourilh- 
ing virtue. \i it denote balfam ; Chrift refembles it in 
his precioufnefs, his acceptablenefs, his fweetnefs and 
fragrancy, his preferving, his all healing, and nourifh- 
jhg virtue. If it be oamphire; Chrift refembles it in his 
wood favour, his healing, his reviving, and exhilarating 
virtue. He is compared to a cluster: for O the ful- 
nefs, the fweet, the firm, the myfterious connection of 
his unnumbered excellencies, graces, bleffings, promifes! 

Hj 
* Zech. iv. 1 1, — 14, h Song i» M» 



94 SACRED TfcOP3LO<3Y. 

85. Chriil calls bimfelf the thus vine ch In his hu- 
manity, how tender, weak, debafedi -expo fed to contempt 
and filtering' ! hoWrfpoiled bj foxes, by Satan, by {ewifn 
ieducers ! by Gentile profecutors ! But how honourable 
in his perfon,his character, and office ! How eafily; how 
much injured ! how fenfible, and obfervani of it ! How 
quickly he grew up in favour with God, and with men! 
How early about his Father's bufinefs ! How he abound", 
with quickening, with heart-warming, and enlightening 
virtue ! What fweet, what profitable, refreshing, and 
medicinal grapes of righteoufnefs, of peace, of pardon, 
acceptance; of fpiritual fonfhip, fanclirication, perfever- 
ance, comfort, and eternal glory, he brings forth ! what 
exten£ve and refrefhful ihadow of protecting perfections 
offices, promifcs, and providence, he affords to his peo- 
ple ! Bleffed Vine, why, after thy fruitfulr.efs, waft thou 
cut down ! why burnt in the fire of thy Father's wrath! 
Not for thine, but for our barrennefs, our unprofitable- 
ness. Why trodden in the wine-prefs of his indigna- 
tion ! why thy foul troubled, fqueezed, and prefTed out 
of meafure! Was it that I might for ever drink new 
-wine with thee in the Father's kingdom ! Arife, ye tin- 
ners, ye companions of forrow; take this cup of falva- 
tion, and call on the name of the Lord. With pleafure, 
fit every one under the ihadow of jefus, his own vine, 
his own fig-tree. 

87. Chrift is compared to a root b. He is the hid- 
den, the invisible God: on earth his glory was vailed : 
now we fee him not, but believing rejoice. How in- 
finitely fafe,firm, and unchangeable ! how full of fap, of 
communicative virtue ! how he fupports ! how myfte- 
rioufly he conveys exiflence, life, and rourifning virtue 
to his people ! In the winter of fpiritual indifference, 
deadnefs, darknefs, defertion, in the floims of perfe- 
ction, temptation, and trouble, how effectually he pre- 
ferves them from total withering f Againlt him, in his 
perfon, office, nghteoufnefs, and grace, do our enemies 
with their axe of oppofition principally flrike. Bleffed 
Koot of David, and of every other creature, efpecialiy of 
thefe of the houfeheld of faith, nor florm, nor drought, 
• Johnxv.i. ilsa.liii 1. Rev. xxii. iG. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 95 

nor axe, nor age, can defpoil thee of thy vigour, thy 
freihnefs. When the earth and the works thereof are 
burnt up, ftult thou appear in all the budding glories 
of the fpring, becaufe thou lived, I fhall live alfo. 

88. Ghrift is called the branch of growth a. In his 
humanity he fprings out of the root of Jeffe. His hu- 
manity has no root of itfelf, but fubfifts in his divine 
perfon. How comely, verdant, and fruitful, with ho- 
nour to God, and happinefs to men ! He is a top branch, 
fprung of David's royal family; and in himlelf molt 
excellent and honourable, higher than kings of any land. 
He is the branch of the Lord, raifed up by, cared for, 
and fruitful to the glory of God. He is a branch of 
righteoufnefs ; for the difplay of his righteoufnefs, God 
fent him into the world, raifed him up, and made him 
bring forth, an everlafting righteoufnefs, for our j uni- 
fication ; and by his influence are all his children made 
righteous in good works. 

80. Ghrift is called the plant of renown raifed up 
by God h. In his ancient purpofe, in his incarnation and 
death, God planted him: in his refurrecYion and af- 
cenfion, he raifed him up, and gave him glory: in the 
preaching of the gofpel, in the efteem and afFe&ion of his 
people, he continues to exalt him : at the laft day he 
will r&ife him up to judge the world, and thereby dif- 
play his aftonifhing height and grandeur. In his pedi- 
gree, his perfon, his natures, names, his qualites, offices, 
relations, and work, how infinitely famous ! For anti- 
quity; for deep humiliation; for excellent beauty ; for 
never-fading verdure ; for nouriihing and medicinal vir- 
tue ; for refrefnful favour and ihadow; for alloniihing 
fruitfulnefs in every neceffary, every ufeful benefit - y 
how widely renowned ! O publim his name ; declare his 
doings among the people ; aferibe ye greatnefs to our 
Ghrift; let every one to another, the lathers unto the 
children, declare his truth. 

90. Ghrift is called the rose of Sharon, or field c. 

In his birth, he grew out of David's withered root ; he 

grew up in the field of this world, and was therein ex- 

pofed to contempt, trouble, aud death.. In the field of 

<x Isa. xi. i. Ezekiii, 8, fcEzekxxxiv. 29, fSoagii.ia 



g6 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

his word and ordinance, he is to be found, as the free, 
the common Saviour of men. In his perfon God-man, 
how beautiful and glorious, the honour of creation ! His 
character, offices, his relations, righteoufnefs, and grace, 
how favory and refrelhful ! how effe&ually, if applied, 
they cure our heart-burning enmity and malice ! our 
fpi ritual blindnefs, defpondency, andconfumptionin fin ! 
91. Chrift is called the lily of the valley a. Once 
was he planted in a debafed ftate, in the low valley of our 
world. To the moil wretched finners, he is offered ; 
and in the humble heart he takes up his abode. How 
infinitely favoury, pure, comely, fruitful ! How high ; 
yet how meek, lowly, and condescending ! What an ef- 
fectual remedy, are his influences, againft our fpiritual 
pride, faintnefs, blindnefs, hardnefs of heart, or any like 
plague ! None of the difeafes of Egypt, O Saviour, mail 
come upon me ; for thou art the Lord my God, that 
healeth me. Under my foolifh, my finful attempts, every 
ailment ishopelefs ; but thou haft power over all plagues j 
when thou wilt, thou canft make me whole. 

92. Cbrift is compared to a bundle of myrrh h. How 
unbounded and unfearchable ! how well connected, and 
inamiffible, his fulnefs of righteoufnefs and grace ! how 
it endears him to his Father, and his people ! how it 
pleafes, refrefhes, beautifies, perfumes, purines, prevents 
corruption, heals and anoints their foul ! Bitter indeed, 
O Redeemer, were tby fufferings to thee ! bitter our 
crofs, which attends thy coming to our foul ! but, thyfelf, 
how precious an offering to God, how precious a gift of 
God to men ! O, till the night of trouble, of time, be 
finifhed, lie between my breafts; dwell near my heart ; 
lodge amid the embraces of my faith and love ! 

93. Ghrift compaxes himfelf to a corn of wheat, caft 
into the ground, that it might die and bring forth much 
fruit c. In himfelf how pure, precious, and fubftantial ! 
how fwect and durable! In his incarnation he fell into 
the earth ; in his fullering and exit he died j but rcfe a- 
gain, grew up to amazing heights of exaltation. Innu- 
merable glories he brought forth to himfelf and his Fa- 
ther j innumerable bleffings he brought forth for the 
a Soug ij, 1, b Song i. 13, € John xii. 24. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 97 

wholefome nouriiliment of our foul ; innumerable faints 
he brings forth, and renders the bleffing and fubftance of 
the nations. Feed, my foul, on this fined of the wheat. 
Let my ufeful life bear witnefs, that for me ■ Jelus died 
and rofe again according to the fcriptures. 

94. Chrift is called the first-fruits a. Firft in order 
of nature, and as the pledge of our refurreclion, he rofe 
froii the dead. Tranlbendent and incomparable is his ex- 
cellency. Solemnly was himfelf, and, by him, are his 
faints, confecrate to the fervice of God. On that day the 
firft-fruitsof barley were offered, he rofe from the grave. 
On that, whereon the fir ft. fruits of wheat were offered, 
he returned to blifs the nations in the power of his 
Spirit. 

95. Chrift is compared to a GREAT rock h. How in- 
finitely high! how firm ! unchangeable ! invincible! 
What a boundiefs mine of precious ; of more than golden 
blefiiFigs ! What a fource of living, of life-giving waters ! 
What a furnifhed heibary of medicinal fimples for the 
healing of the nations! What a fare foundation of our 
hope ! our endlefs felicity ! What a fafe, a lofty, a curi- 
ous residence ! where no enemy can annoy us ! where 
we are fheltered, protected, and refrefhed, with divine 
perfections and providence ! where we enjoy the moft 
clear, extenfive, and pleafant profpe£i of tne whole ful- 
nefs and ways of God ! Blefifed Rock higher than I ; more 
excellent ; fufficient to overfhadow me ! Lofty munition 
of rocks, caufe my foul to mount up, and refide in thee ; 
io mall I fee the King in his beauty, and the land that is 
very far off: bread (hall be given me, and my water mall 
be fure. Reck of ages, while I am in this weary world, 
this weary eftrangement from my God, be thou my reit 
and my refreshing. Smit by the Father's wrath, pour 
me forth ftreams of oil, of honey, and butter. Never 
envy, my foul, the portion of the wicked : their rock is 
not as my rock, mine enemies themfeives being judges. 

9/6. Chrift is compared, perhaps, tomount Carmel c. 
As God, how infinitely high ! As Mediator, how exal- 
ted! In him, on the one hand, how wide our profpecl of 

a 1 Cor, xv. b Isa. xxxii. 2. Matth. xvi. 18, Mattiit vii. 24, 25 
<f Song vii, 5, 



9^ SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

creation and time ! on the other, of the fea-like perfec- 
tions of God ! of unbounded eternity ! How fertile he, 
of grace and of truth ! How productive of glory to God, 
and blefimgs to men ! Planted in him, how we abound 
in the fruits of righteoufnefs, to the praife of the glory 
of his vritue and grace ! But if the wordfignifies crimson, 
Chrift refernbles it, in bearing our fins, in fufTering their 
punilhment ; and in receiving his royal and glorious re- 
ward. Suppofe, my foul, thou refill unto blood, flriving 
againft fin, let thy converfation be in heaven, whence I 
look for the Saviour ; let the fruits of the Spirit in all 
goodnefs be in me, and abound ; fo fhall 1 never fail. 

97. Chrid is compared to Lebanon, that goodly 
mountain on the north of Canaan a. How infinitely higher 
than angels and men i How far above all heavens afcend- 
cd ! How great ! how unfading his comelinefs and excel- 
lency ! how pleafant to beheld ! How fragrant and preci- 
ous his product ! his unfailing fruits of righteoufnefs and 
grace ! What unnumbered cedars of faints grow up in 
him! What eleaniing and refreibful ftreams of mercy 
flow from his bowels ! Hou t fully he protects our pro- 
mifed land, our new-covenant ilate, from the northern 
blafts of devouring wrath ! And happy ! happy \ in him 
are no dens of lions, no lodging of leopards. Be thou 
my reiidence, my dwelling-place in ail generations. 

98. Chrift is compared to a little stone, cut out of 
the mountain without hands, which broke in pieces Da- 
niel's fourth beaft, and became a great mountain, which 
filled the whole earth b. In his debarment, how low 
his condition! How is he defpifed and rejected of men ! 
How much unknown to, and difefteemed by the faints ! 
How fovereignly fentof God to fave us ! How conceived 
and born into human nature by a virgin, who knew not 
a man \ To make way for his fpiritual kingdom, he over- 
threw the Heatheniih empire of Rome, and fubdued the 
nations to himfelf. A time cometh, when the knowledge 
of him fhall cover the whole earth, as the waters cover 
the fea; when the kingdoms of this world fhall become 
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Chriit j and he 
a Song v, 15. k Dan. ii. 34, 35. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, 99 

{hall reign for ever and ever. O bleffed Mountain,- fill 
my country, my houfe, my heart ! 

99. Chriit is called a stone, living, chofen, precious, 
and tried a. How firm, itrong, immutable, and lading ! 
Fie hath alilife in himfelf, and quickneth whom he will] 
How infinitely valuable, and dear to God, angels., and 
faints ! The defire of ail nations ! The gold that perith. 
etb not ! The inestimable jewel, that makes multitudes 
boaft themfelves, becaufe they Ere become exceeding 
rich ! Jehovah chofe him to be our Mediator, and tried 
him in the fire of his indignation. The faints chqofe 
him for their hufband, their all ; and try him, by .depen- 
dence on him in their conviction, their temptations, and 
fiery troubles. 

100. Ch rift is called one stone upon which are fe- 

ven eyes h. Kow 7 infinitely firm and durable ! How dif- 

tinguifhed ! unmatched ! The chief among ten thoufand ! 

. . ' ■ " 

Of what perfect, what divine knowledge is he poiTcfTed ! 

His it is to know and direct all things; to pbferve, to 
pity, and regard his chofen in every 11 ate and cafe. On 
him how fixed his Father's eyes! With what pleafure 
he views his perfon ! his undertaking ! his incarnation ! 
his life ! his death ! his refurrection, and afcenfion ! his 
interceilion for us ! How fixed on him the eyes of the 
bleffed Spirit, to take of his, and mew it unto us ! How 
fixed on him the eyes of angels, to admire, depend, and 
wait on, worfhip, and ferve him ! How fixed on him 
were the eyes of ancient believers, looking, and longing 
for his corning, into the likenefs of finful flefh ! They 
faw his day afar off, and rejoiced to fee it. How fixed 
on him the eyes of all faints, looking to him for par- 
don, for righteoufnefs and ialvation; and longing for his 
fecond appearance! When he cometh with clouds, how 
fixed on him the eyes of every rational creature! Every 
eye (hall fee him ; and all wicked kindreds of the earth 
fnall wail becaufe of him. W T ith what burning love, 
ravilliing wonder, and enrapturing praife, (hall holy an- 
gels, and ranfcmed men, for ever gaze on his perfon, 
and fee him as he is ! To him look, my foul, that thou 
mayft be lightened. On him let my waiting eyes be fet. 
a Isa. xxviii. 16. 1 Pet. ii. 8. b Zech. Hi. 9. 



IOO SACRED TROFOLOGY. 

Beholding as in a glafs the glory of the Lord, be thou 
changed into the fame image from glory to glory, even 
as by the Spirit of the Lord. He is the ftone of which 
God engraves the graving. Upon the palms of his 
hands, are divinely engraven the names of all the chofen; 
their lalvation is put under his care and management. 
They are graven on his heart. Divinely was he confli- 
tute their kind reprefentative and forety, and appointed 
to appear in the prefence of God for us. In refpeffc of 
manifeilation, how deep engraven, on his perfon and of- 
fice, are the perfections of God ! How glorioufly engra- 
ven on his humanity, the adoring giaces of the Holy 
Ghoft. ! In his debafement, how marked with wounds 
and bruifes ! how divinely made perfect through fuiFer- 
ing ! In his exaltation, how divinely marked with glory 
and honour .' 

101. Chrift is called a (tone of Rumbling, and rock of 
offence a. At his humble birth, his debaied life, his ig- 
nominious death, and forry retinue of diiciples ; at the 
holinefs of his law, the feai ching and evangelic nature of 
his doctrine ; at the limplicity of his ordinances, the 
rneannefs and mifconduct of his followers, provoked did 
the Jews, and do many others, to their fpiritual hurt, 
to their everkfting ruin, refufe to embiace and obey 
him. BieiTed, O Jcfus, is he whofcever is not cfTaKled 
in thee. 

102. Chrift is compared to a way b> By his Father's 
royai appointment, he came into this world. Every 
impediment of our accefs to God he removed, and left 
us an example to walk in his ileps. Through his me- 
diation, his atonement and inteictfiion, we mull go out 
to our warfare with Satan, with the world, and our 
lulls ; mull go forth to trade with heaven in the free 
receipt of all the fulnefs of God ; and to walk in boli- 
ntfs towards the ecleftial blifs. In the gofpel, his perfon 
and office are exhibited, as the fole means of Jehovah's 
kind vilits to us, and of our pailage from Satan to God ; 
and from Qn and mifery to grace and glory. In THIS, 
all who hear the gofpel are fully warranted to enter 
and walk: and by him are they gracioufly received, 

a i Pet. U.S. b Johnxiv. 6. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, j o 1 

freely fnpported, perpetually directed, and finally uiher- 
ed into endlefs felicity. . O new and living way of ho- 
linefs, in which men mall net remain unclean, though 
it be for TKoss! O fure, fafe-, eafy. plain, pleafant, hea- 
venly ! O coftiy, free, divine way! may foolifh I walk 
in thee without erring! United to thy perfon ; juftified 
by thy blood ; influenced by thy love ; enabled by thy 
ftrength ; fubject. to- thine authority ; acting as under 
thine eye; alway intending- thine honour ; let me fol- 
low thee, go up and down in thy name, and walk humbly 
with my God. 

I ©3. Chrift is compared to a GATS and DOOR a. By 
the wifdom, the power, and authority of God, he is con- 
ftitute the proper m^ans of our adaiiflion to the church, 
*nd the offices thereof: thecnly means- of our accefs into 
a gracious ftate, or into the knowledge, favour, and pre- 
fence of God : the fole means of our defence from the 
florin of divine wrath, or the violence of our fpiritual 
foes. Thro 1 him alone. Jehovah bellows his gracious 
alms of a full falvation, on thefe deilitule tinners, who 
apply for the fame: and in him alone, are our prayers 
and fervices accepted. Now, in the promifes, the invi- 
tations, and offers of the gofpel, he is wide opened to 
men; him that cometh to him, he will in no wife call 
out. At death this exhibition will be fhut to us; at 
the judgment, to ali his defpifers : for ever, fliall thefe, 
who are found without him, be confirmed in their rui- 
ferable eflate. Fie is reprefented as various, as twelve 
gates, three looking towards every airth ; he is preach- 
ed to tinners in all the ends of the earth; and O their 
free, their abundant accefs to God by him ! he is repre- 
fented as gates of pearl: for, O his unbounded preci- 
oufriefs and excellency, in bis perfon and mediation ! 
And bleffed be the Lord, he is open night and day, in 
every cafe, a ready means of accefs to God. They that 
come to him (hail, in fpiritual liberty, go in, and out, and 
find paiture ; but mail no more go out from their gra- 
cious Hate. By this gate of God, let me enter in, and blefs 
the Lord. 

104. Chrift is compared to an habitation, and dwel- 

a John x. 9, 
1 



i communion with him v\ itatafmiiar bok.mis, 
live and improve the right^oufhefs-, peace, pav- 
piairce, adoption, wiklora fai.ciirlcation, and re- 



302 5.ACRFDTR0? LOGY. 

}in£ places. Row furnifhed with every neeefTary ac- 
commodation, all fpi ritual piby'ifiori ! His righteoulnefs 
andftren^th are the covering: his love the bed torefreih, 
f id the fire to warm and difTclve our heart: his fl e ill and 
hiood ; his perfon, rightecufnefs, and purchaied benefits, 
£ve the nourifhmg provilion : he, his Father, and bleffed 
Spirit, the delightful companions. With tranfcendent 
pleafure and gl'adnefs, his people abide in their ftcte of 
union and communion with him W ith familiar bole in far, 
they receive 
don, accep 

demption, which are Judged in him. Where, my foul, 
dwellefl thou! Is Chrifi thy home? Hail then thy happy 
flate ! No plague mall come ne;-»r thy dwelling. Charge 
me, mv conlcience, to be n k eper at heme, that my houf 
may guide me : never let me be a bird wandering from 
her nelh 

ioq. Chrifi is compared to a covsrt and hiding- 
place^. Secretly and myilenoufly, in his perfon, rip :■ - 
teo-ufnefs, power, and love, are thepeifons the iife,fafe- 
ty, happiiielsand comfprtof his people, hid, and infallibly 
fecured, from the avenging fury of an angry G-cd, and a- 
gainft all danger and hurt, from fin, Satan, the world, 
death, or hell. Am 1 hid in him? Let rains come, ana 
winds of temptation blow; no evil ftial} come near 
me. Quickly, O mine enemies, {ball you fcek me, ar.d 
Ihall not find me: nay, even now, whether 1 go, ye can- 
rot come; for into his heart, his hand, the Lord hath 
fliut me in. 

ico Chi ifr is called a sANCTUAKYard REFUGEE. What 
a fuflicicnt (fielfr and refidence for guilty and behorrned 
fihriers! How divinely prepared and allotted them, to flee 
tb, for protection from avenging junice, from a bn ken 
law, a raging devil, and an evil worlu! And in him we 
a<e to live, denying ungbdlinefs, and worldly lulls, and 
Walking fo be rly, nghteoufly, and godly offering tl^e pro- 
p. r frenfice, aid incenic ot prayer, otpraife, and oi good 
works unto God. 

t c 7 . ( brill is compared to a TfXr and shadow d. 

How divinely reared ! By his imputed righteoufneis, 

a John. vi. 50. b lsa. iv. 6, and Xxxii, 2. c Heb. vi. xj. d [sa.ivi 5. 



Of metaphors respecting Christ. 103, 

how fweetly he faves his people from the fcorch- 
ing heat of God's wrath ! By his power and love he 
protects them from the windy dorms raif^d by Satan 
and wicked men ; and gives them a fweet, a refrehh- 
ful red in himfelf. This, my foul, is thy xeft, and thy 
refreshing. 

108. Chrift is compared toa REST or RESTING PLACE n. 
For iinful men, wearied with fulfilling their lulls, with 
bearing their troubles, with enduring the mocking 
views of their fin, and their punifhrnent, has God pre- 
pared him. The imputation of his righteoufnefs removes 
our burden of guilt. The faith, the fenfible percep- 
tion of it, removes our burden of legal conviction. Th? 
effectual intimation of his love makes cur heart to ceafe 
from her finful and legal courfss ; and delivers her from 
her burden of carnal care. The faith of his un-flinging 
cur trouble, our death, and of his fymp thizing with us 
therein, and making them to work for us a far more ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of glory, removes their op- 
preffiye load. The faith of his veracity pledged in his 
promife, difpels every defpondent fear, relative to our 
own or the church's intereft. In him we enjoy th* 
firmed eftahliihment in grace; the mod powerful fecu- 
rity again fl>fpj ritual wandering ; the fulled fatisfaftion 
to all our deiires ; and the fweettft refreshment, joy, 
and comfort to our foul. Return to this reft, O my foal, 
for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. 

T*>9. Ghrilt is reprefented as God's HABITATION; his 
reding place ; his throne of grace b. Not only is the 
Father in him,)>y mutual coexidence of nature; but emi- 
nently and eternally is he glorifr d by, fathfied with, de- 
lighted irij and rejoices over him, as our Mediator. Li 
Ijim is God ever acceuible to our humble rcqueds, and 
ever found ready to beftow hispurchafed mercy and grace. 
Go therefore boldly, my foul, to his throne of grace, that 
tnou mayeft obtain mercy > and find grace to help in time 
of need. 

no. Ghrift is compared to a foundation c. Fiift, in 
order of nature, are his perfon, his office, his righteouf- 

* Matth. xl 28. JPsa!. cxvi. 7. b 2 Cor. v. 19. Ileb iv, 16. 

e Isa. xwin, i6. 

i 2 



J Ci 4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

nefs and interceffion, placed by his Father, as tho firm, 
the eternal principle, fupport, fecurity, and ornament of 
his whole difpenfatidn of mercy and grace; and of every 
doctrine, ordinance, and true member, of the church ; 
and of all oar religions worfhip and fervice ; and 
ci all our hopes of eternal felicity. Another foun- 
dation cm no man lay, than that which is laid, which 
is Chrlft Jefus. Be thou, my foul, grounded in him ; nor 
do thou build on them the hay and ftubble of leg'. 1 ii^h* 
teoufnefs, of fanciful opinions, or unwarranted prac- 
tices. - 

: in. Ghrifl is c.lled the chief Corner stone a. Bef- 
pifed and rejected indeed he was, by the jewiili builders, 
their rulers in church and (late: but by his perlbn, his 
office, his relations, h'-s- righteoufnefs, his interceilion, 
power, and love; is the whole new-covenant building of 
mercy, the whole temple of the church, Jewifti or Gen- 
tile, militant or triumphant, the whole ilruclure of grace 
in every believer's heart, myfterioufly and beautifully u- 
nite, regulate, adorned, fupported, flrengthened, and 
p refer ved. Bleffed Comer-ftone, cement my foul to 
thee. 

112. Chriil is compared to a nail in a fnre place b* 
On him as irrevocably appointed of God, to be our fole, 
our all fnfficient Mediator, does every purpofe, promife, 
and providence of God, relative to our laivation ; dees 
the whole doctrine, worfhip, difcipiine, and government, 
of the church ; every office, officer, and members there- 
of; and every perfon, pi iviledge, gift, and grace, of his 
people, firmly and fafely hang* and depend. Here 
hang, my foul, thy life, thy hope, thy work, thy care, 
thy all. 
, 113. Clvviftis reprefented as food INDEED, and BREAD 
OF LIFE r. Broken and bruiied for our fins ; trodden in 
the wine-prets of his Father's wrath; roafted in the 
flames, of his indignation; his perfon, his righteoufnefs, 
and Uving benefits, ar^ the moil excellent, the whole- 
foihe, pleafant, nourifbing, the ftrengthening", and me- 
dicinal, the tmiverfa), absolutely nec< id nevtr- 
furfeiting provilioi) of our foul, which berets, re (lores, 
a Eph, ii. 20, k I*a. xxii. 21,— -24. f . J»hn vi. 35, — 43* 



Of metaphors respecting Christ, J 05 

maintains, and perfects our everlailing life. Bread that 
comcth down from heaven, tru2, fubiianlial provifion 
given of God to us, ftarving", finful men ; may I, with 
ail faints, daily by faith receive thee, with earned dtflre, 
particular appropriation, and inward delight. Ever- 
more give us this bread. 

1 1-4 Chnd is called the hiddfn mannas Hi in f elf 
and his falacfs are the heavenly, the d ; vinely prepared, 
t'hefcee, the all-inking prcvilion, on which his chofen 
people are for ever nounlhed and fed. How inviiible and 
unknown to a carnal world ! How much at preient un- 
known to the faints ! How incompreheniible in any flatq, 
to angtls or men ! Ever may my foul have this bread to 
ear /which the world knows not of. 

115. Chrifl is compared to raiment 3. How exa&ly 
fuited to oar condition, are bis imputed righ ted ufnefe, 
and imparted grace! How they hide ; they remove, our 
finful deformity^guilt and pollution ! How they protect 
from fcorching heat, from freezing cold, and every other 
fp: ritual hurt ! How comely and acceptable they render 
us before God, angels, and good men ! What Spiritual 
health what warmth of aiFeftion to good, they promote! 
How they qualify us for good works, and diftingm& us 
from the reil: of the world ! They are white raiment, fine 
linen, clean and white! How pure and beautiful ! How 
comely a badge, that we are more than conquerors of (in, 
Satan, ami the world \ and do always triumph in him \ 
and always called to rejoice in him, as the God of our 
faivatiot.'! How they extract our corruption, and rcfreili 
one heart ! They are a wedding-gu-ment applied la the 
moment of our myilical marriage to Chriit. How tran- 
icendent their richnefs, 2nd beauty ! How ornaments 1 10 
oar perfjn and nature! How far preferable to any other 
covering! His rigiiteoufnefs imputed, is the ground of 
our joy ; the foundation of our right to the prefenee ami 
favour of God. His grace imparted, is the occailoa of 
onr fpirituni joy ; the market our union to Chrifl: ; and 
the iubitance of our mtetr.efs for his fellowship, and of 
cur becoming a joy and rejoicing to him. Net only pra~ 

a Rsv. ii. j 7. b Rom. xiii. r^. Re v. Hi, iJ, and xix. 3. 
■Maith. xxii ir,< J. 

13 



Io6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

fefs, but put on, my fom, the Lord Jefus, and make no 
provilioA for the (kill to fulfil the lulls thereof; let my 
garments of a holy, cheerful converfation, be always 
white ; and let my head, my heart lack no ciatment of 
his grace. 

116. Chrifl is compared to gold tried in the fire a. 
How folid and fubilantial are his perfon and fulnefs ! 
How comely, pure, and unmixed ! How precious, incor- 
ruptible, and lading! What an enriching, a fatisfying 
treafure and ornament! How tried in his Father's efti- 
mation ; in his own fiery fufferings ; and in his people's 
hot tribulation ; and yet alway found furncient and ge- 
nuine ! Effectually counfcl me, OJefus, to buy this gold 
tried in the tire, that I may be rich ; and thy white rai- 
ment of imputed atonement, that I may be clothed ; and 
that the fhame of my filthy, my iinful nakcdneiSj do not 
appear. 

117. Chrifl is called the pearl of great price 3. How 
wonderful his divine, his human generation ! Who can 
declare it ? Not round, in fhape, but the everlaflingGod, 

.an abfolute fulnefs of fpiritual excellency ! How T folid, 
fubflantial, comely, and glorious ! How truly he recon- 
ciles hearts, makes peace by the blood of his crofs, and 
is the one Mediator between God and man ! How adorn- 
ing, preferving, healing, ftrengtftening ! how enriching* 
and ennobling his virtue ! What care ; what diligence 
it requires to find him ! How oft, diving amid waves, 
and floods of guilt, corruption, ar.d trouble, are y e ln 
danger of being torn afunder by Satan and his agents ! 
How precious ! not millions of worlds ; not the obedience 
of angels or men ; but only thine own bleeding righteouf- 
nefs, can purchafe cur title to thee. Yet ah ! how few 
poffefs, deli re, or know, thine excellency ! Having found 
thee in the gofpel, let me deliberately confent to fell all, 
difelleem all, forego all, to win Chrili, and be found in 
him, and he in me the hope of glory. Tread not, my 
foul, on him : turn not again to tear the Father that 
give tli him. 

lib*. Chrifl is called a treasure hid in the field r. 
How precious and inexhaustible his excellency and ful- 

«Hev.iij.il. b Matili, xJii.45, 46. t Matth.xiii. 44. 



Of -metaphors respecting Christ. i C m 

tiefs ! How he fatisfies, enriches, ennobles, and, before 
God, devils, and men, emboldens fuch as poiTefs him ! 
What bleffings, ufeful, lafting, invaluable, unnumbered, 
are comprehended in him ! In him are all the promifes 
and benefits of the new covenant, fummed up ! On hira 
his faved nations for ever live ; and of him do they boail 
and glory ! With infinite flail is he fecurely depoflte in 
the purpofe, the power, the love, the faithfulnefs of God ; 
in the field of infpiration : divinely is he laid up, hid, and 
concealed, that carnal, carelefs iinners, behold him not. 
O for a firm, a lively faith, to claim the Almighty's 
word, and call the treafure all my own ! Be it hid for 
ever in the treafure of my heart. 

119. Ghrift is compared to a treasury or store- 
house a. In him, as Mediator, God-man, hath God hid, 
lodged, andfecured, all the bleflings of the new covenant, 
rich, innumerable, and everlafting; that they might be 
ever near to us ; none of them be loft : and that he mipht 
be honoured in the conveyance thereof. Without re- 
ceiving him, we obtain no faying benefit-; and in embra- 
cing him, we obtain all inexhauftible ftores of grace and 
glory. Fear God, my foul, there is no want to them that 
fear him. 

1 20. Ghrift is compared to a refiner's FIRE and fuller's 
soap b. By the pure preaching of his word, he removes 
drofly, and fpotted errors and herefies. By the influence 
of his Spirit, he purges out fpots, and drofty corruption 
from our heart* By common or fpecial influence, he ren- 
ders fpotted perfons apparently, or really, pure in his 
fight. By fearful judgments, he removes the fpots, the 
wicked perfons, of a nation or church, into endiefs wo. 
Who may abide the day of his coming ! 

1 2r. Ghrift is compared to a standard, ensign, or 
banner c. The elevation of him in his perfon, his f&ith- 
fulnefs, and love, .in the ancient counfel of peace ; in the 
Old Teftament promifes and types ; in his incarnation 
life, death, refurre&ion, and glory j in theg«fpel revela- 
tion, and fuving difcovcry of his excellency ; is God's 
great fi*nal of war with fin, with Satan, and the world ; 
and of his victory over them ; and of our peace with 
a Col. i. 10. b Mai. iii. 2. rl&a.xi. io, apdlis.^9. 



Io3 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

Go!, with our cjnicience, with holy angels, and good 
men: it i-~ the grand means of difpiriting 3at«tn and his 
allies ; and of gathering and enliHihg us to Jefus hirnfelf ; 
the great means of e&citiajg, encouraging, and directing 
us i:i our fpiritaal eouiliet-S, and enabling us to obtain 
compete victory therein. He is represented as a ftand- 
ard beater among ten thoufand. In the shove manner, 
and for the mentioned purpofes, he lifs up himfelf, and 
goes before his people in their fpiritual war. Be thou, 
my foal, ftrong in tire Lord, and in the power of his 
might. 

122. Chrid is compared to a staff, a stay, or sup- 
porting friend a. By d^pendarice on his righteounfefs, 
his power, his love, his intercefSon, and faith fulnefs, are 
his'chofen people fupported under their burdens, of guilt, 
of corruption, or trouble; and enabled to walk up to ro' 
this wildernefs world, to the high, the promifed land of 
encilefs felicity. For ever, O Jeihis, let me lean on thee, 

123. Ghiiil is like the chariots of Amrninadib 3. 
H»w quick! how ma jell ic his love approaches, to relieve 
and co r>. fort his diftireffed faints! in what eafy, fafe, 
quick, and royal manner, he bears and carrier them, 
through this waile howling deferr, into eternal happi- 
nefs! 

1 2 l. Chrift is called wonderful c. What countlefs I 
what Linfearchabiemyfteries and miracles of infinite, eter- 
nal, and immutable, being, wifdom, power, holinefs^ 
juUce, goodnefs, and truth, ane exhibited in his periun, 
iiis oiiihe, appearance, and work ! in him every wonder- 
ful union, created, or divine coi curs, and every marvel- 
lous gurpofe, doctrine, pramife, and providence, doth 
centre ! ilow incompreheofibte, his divine excellencies.! 
his eternal generation ! his afFurning the iikenffs of iin- 
f &l fl (h ! How-dee] his abafement ! how high his ex- 
alt • >n ! how Snilhed nis righteoufnefs ! how tender his 
Lj . e ! ho ■■. 11 comprehenfible his whole work! howflrangc 
his bounty ! how m rvellous his habitationin us i ah I 
his returns to blefs Us ! Aik, my foul, pry into, hi. name ; 
for it is fecret. 

j 25. Giirift js Galled all in all d. He is hi all place* f 

a ^flOBg viii. 5, iSo.'v^vi.w, clsa.. «► 0. iCj«..i. 1:, 



Of metaphors respecting Christ* $o^ 

in all the churches, and all the hearts of his people. He 
makes and performs all things: he comprehends all ex- 
cellency, tranfcends all creatures, contains, and beftowa 
all good. He is the Creator, the preferver, the gover- 
nor, difpofer, heir, and end of all creatures ; the anti- 
type, the fubftance, the fcope, and end of all divinely in- 
stitute ceremonies ; the devifer, the foundation, the 
means, and end of ail divine purpofes ; the maker, the 
farnimer, the publisher, the'confirmer, the fuliiiler, the 
fubftance, centre, and fcope, of all gracious promifes ; 
the author, the revealer, theexempliiier, the fubjecl:, end 
end of>all infpired doctrines ! the giver, the fufiillei, the 
end of all facred laws ; the contradter, the magnifier, and 
executor of all divine covenants; and the pnrchafer, 
price, difpenfer, matter, and end of all faving privileges. 
He is the iniiitutor, maintainer, fubftance, and fcope of 
all golpe l-o rcli nances ; the author, the object, the exam- 
ple, the preferver-, reitorer, incrtafer, and iioimer of all 
Chrifliau graces ; and the caufg, the pattern, the motive, 
the alii fl- ant, the direclor, and means of acceptance in all 
holy exercifes. All comprehending Lord : art thou Ml 
God, and my all ? 

126. Chriit's name is like ointment poured forth a. 
Apprehended bj faith, his perfon, character, cilice, re- 
lations, righteoufnefs, and grace, have a mofc free, a moil 
extenfive, precious, and fweet-fmelling influence, to 
quicken, cleanfe, mollify, heal, ftrengthen, exhilarate, 
and adorn our foul, and tit them for wreffcling with Satan 
and our lufts : and for running in the way ot God's com- 
mandments. Be thou, my foul, a good favour of Chriil, 
to all around. 

127. Chrift's Iovq is life, and better than life £. 
It is the fource, the begetter, the rtftorer, the maintain- 
er, and perfecter of our fpiritual life"; the befiowei^con- 
fervei's and fubftance of our eternal life. How inexpref- 
iible its comforts! How it fweetens my natural exif- 
tence ! heals my maladies ! redreffes my grievances ! en- 
riches my foul with God as her portion ! and enraptures 
my heart ! How much more precious, pleafant, iafting, 
lure, and ufeful than this natural life ! When heart and 

a Song i. 3. b Psal. xxx. 5, and Ixiii. 3. 



3 IO SACHFD TROPOLOGY. 

fle(h faint and fail, it (ball be, my eternal excellency, ans( 
joy cf many generations. 

128. Chrift's love is compared to wine a. By his 
b?ing trode in the wine-fat of his Father's wrath, was 
it manifeiied, and prepared. How precious, pleafant, 
and diilinguiihing is it ! What a reviving, comforting, 
Healing, appetizing, invigorating, and emboldening in- 
fluence na«h it on our heart ! And for antiquity, dura- 
tion, harailerTneis. freenefs', purity, plenty ; and for its 
rower to quicken the dead in trefpaffes and lins, preferve 
from death eternal, and create joy unfpeakable, and full 
of glory, how far it exceeds ?ne belt wine ! Drink here- 
of abundantly, my foul, that thou may ft forget thy for- 
rows, a^d remember thy mifery no more. 

129. Ghrift's love is compared to a banner difplayed 
in a barqueting-houfe b. While he opens his word to 
his p:-opIc ; while beadenits them into covenant-union, 
aad entertains them with fpecial intimacy with himfelf ; 
how his love engages and draws their heart to his fer- 
vice ; and excites, encourages, ttrengthens, diitinguifhes, 
directs, and protects them in their fpiritual eonfljcls 
with Satan, the world, and their iulis ! Thus let me 
fight with princioalines and powers, and with fpiritual 
wickednds in high places. 

j 30. G;irill's righteoufnefs is cdled ELCOD c, By the 
mending of his blood he fniiihed it. C:oieiy it adheres 
where-ever it is applied. How marvellous its eflicscy 
to quench the fiery indignation of God, the fiery darts 
of Satan's temptation, and the flaming enmity of our cor- 
rupt heart ! The fprinkling of it, imports a real, a clofe, 
a liberal, full, kindly, and Skilful application ot it to our 
conference, bv the Spirit of God. To him who loved 
us, and warned us from our (ins in his niood, be glory 
aad honour for ever and ever. Amen. 

131. Chrilt's righteoutiufs is called CLEAN WATER 'f. 
It is the pure righteoufnefs of God. How f.vcctty >t 
reireffies cur heart, purities our c< nfcience from dead 
works, purges off all our guilt ; and, before God as a 
judge, renders us clean every whit, whiter than tile faow! 
bicUe i vviter, how plentiful! how common and free \ 
€ Song i. 2, 4. k Se,i^ ii. 4. c 1 Pet i. 2. d Ezek. xxxri. 25.. 



OfmeLipbors respecting the Holy Ghost. m 
how uffcful, quickening, and refrefhing ! how it fpreads 
its virtue ; penetrates into my heart ! How unhampcr* 
ed my aecefs to drink of, or ba:he myfeii therein ! 

132. Cliriii's rightebufnefs is compared to a ereast- 
JLATE a. Imputed by God; applied by faith, it protects 
oar foul, repels Satan's accufations, refills his fiery temp- 
tations, and fecures us fioiii the condemnation, the ven- 
geance of Heaven. 

Chrift's rightebufnefs is compared to a garment or li- 
nen robe: See No 115. 

C H A P. HI. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING THE HOLT GHOST. 

I. HHHE Holy Ghoft is compared to an amuapsa- 
-** dor b. Agreeable to the dii'penUtion of the 
new covenant, he is fent by : he comes in the name of 
Jefus Chrifl, the King of nations, aim of his adored Fa- 
ther. And with infinite wifdom, power, and foiemnuy, 
he, in the word of the gofpel, propofes to our foul a 
treaty of peace with Gcd, of marriage with Ghrilt, and 
of traffic with heaven. Powerfully he perfuafUs us 
heartil} 7 to accept thereof; and by foaling us up to the 
day of redemption, he irreverlibly ratifies the agree- 
ment. And ah ! how vexed', how grieved with our 
rejection of his propolal's ; our reuftance to his motions, 
and his ftriving with our conicience ! Grieve not, my 
foul, the holy Spirit, whereby I am fealed to the day of 
redemption, 

2. The Holy Ghoft is called an advocate c By his 
word, by the miracles and common operations that at- 
tend it, he pleads the caufe of our adored Redeemer a- 
gainft an evil world. By his faving difcoveiiss and in- 
fluences, he pleads it in our heart, againll our corrupt 
luffs, and affections ; and againft the fail e and injurious 
allegations of Satan. According to the will of God, he 
makes interceffion for the faints, exciting them to prayer; 
enditing their requefts ; directing and enabling them to 
& Eph. vj. 14. b John xvi. 7. c John xvi. S,— 10. Rom. viii, 26, 27. 



TI2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

prefeut them at a throne of grace ; and wait for the gra- 
cious anfwer thereof. Bleffed pleader, make intercef- 
fion for and in me, with groanings which cannot be ut- 
tered. 

3. The Holy Ghofl 15 compared to a teacher a, 
PolTeiTed of a comprehenfive, an infinite knowledge of all 
things j and notwithitanding of the moft fearful con- 
tempt and oppoiition. he, with amazing fkill, care, kind- 
nefs, and patience, feafonably and eftV£tually infpired, 
and ftill opens up the myflerious doclrines, laws, pro- 
rnifes, and threatening of the oracles of God, and fixes 
them in our memory and heart. He (hews us the fin- 
fulnefe and rnifery of our fallen ftate : {hews what and 
whofe we are. He. enlightens our mind in the know- 
ledge of the perfon, the ofnces, the relations, righteouf- 
nefs, power, and love of Jefus Chrift : and initructs us 
how to receire and improve him, as made of God to us 
wifdom, lighteoufnefs, fancliflcation, and redemption. 
Ke teaeheth us the way to manage our heart, our time, 
our gifts, our grace : how therewith, belt 'to promote 
the glory of God, and our own, and eur neighbour's 
real and lading felicity. His pretence, how inestimable 
a bleffing ! his abfenc*, how fearful -a plague! When 
fmners remain hardened in fin, how oft he ceafes ft riving 
with their confeience, and gives them up to the lulls and 
imaginations cf their evil heart ! Unmatched inftructor, 
open thou mine eyes, that I may fee wondrous things 
out of thy law. Inftrud and teach me in the way 
wherein 1 mould 20. 

4. The Holy Ghofl is compared to a witness b. With 
unbialTed fidelity, unfullied elearnefs, and evidence, he 
teuifies againfl us ; undeniably proves to our confcience, 
the truth, the heinous nature, of our crimes ; he teiti- 
fies of Chrift ; convincingly proves to our foul, that he 
is infinitely glorious, powerful, fuitable, ableand ready, 
to fare us who are loll : he teftines of the promifes of 
the new covenant, that they are adapted to our cafe, and 
divinely directed to our confcience; he teftifkd the truth 
of our gracious eflate, witneiling with our fpirits that 

« John xiv. 26. k John xv. 16, Rom, viik 16, 



Of metaphors refpeSilng the Holy Ghoji. 113 

we are the children of God ; exciting and mining on the 
grace within us, and on the marks of it noted in the 
word ; and perfuading us of the true limilitude betwixt 
them : he tefcifies the iiocerity of our good works, wit- 
neffing with our conference, that they proceed from Je- 
fus' preCence in our heart, are agreeable to God's law, 
and acceptable in his fight. 

5. The Holy Ghoft is compared to a leader and. 
GUIDE a. PoiTclTed of a perfect knowledge of the wilder- 
nefs and fea of a prefent evil world, and of the courfe 
proper for every believer therein, he comes to them in 
their time of need, continually abides with them, dwells 
in their heart, and by his word, and influence leads 
them to the promife, the perfon, the blood and righte- 
oufnefs, power and fulnefs of a Redeemer ; he encourages 
their fpirit ; directs them to their duty ; and points out: 
the dangerous errors, habits, and practices they ought t® 
avoid: he protects them from theafTaults of fin, Satan, 
and the world; and at laft brings them fate to the de- 
fired habitation of endlefs felicity. To thee, good Spi- 
rit, I rcfign my blind, my bewildered fuul; lead thou 
me to the land of uprightnefs: let me no more com- 
plain of rough ways ; it is the Lord who leads me a- 
bout to humble me, and to prove me, and to do me good 
in my latter end. 

6. The Holy Ghoil is called the comforter b. How 
kindly he fympathizes with the faints in their manifold 
afflictions! be comes to, abides with, and is highly defired 
and eiteetned by them. Tenderly he examines our cafe t 
reproves what is faulty, and enables us to warn off its 

% guilt in a Saviour's blood, and in his ftrength, mortify the 
deeds of the body that we may live, In his word he fea- 
fonably prefents the moff fvveet, and fubftantial, and fure 
grounds of fpiritual comfort ; that Jelus the Son, the fent 
of God, has borne our griefs, carried 0111 forrows,fatisficd 
for our fins, and brought in an everlaiting righteoufriefs 
tocover our guilty fouls: that, well pleafed, for his righ- 
tcoufnefs fake, God who loves us with an eveilaiting 
love, doth in the promife give himfelf to be our God ; 
tha in the new covenant p^rnifes, the whole fulnefs 
K 
a John xiv. 16 , 17, b John xif. 26. 



114 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

of God ia brought near and fecured to our foul ; that 
cur manifold troubles flow from redeeming kindnefs, 
are light and fhort ; but ufeful to promote oar fandlifi- 
c*tion; and work for us an exceeding and eternai weight 
of glory : thst we mall be for ever with the Lord, filled 
with his fulnefs, and made like him, by feeing him as 
he is. Thefe he determines our heart to apply, and fo 
quickens, fupports, refrtfhes, fanctifies, 2nd fills it with 
joy unfpeakable and full of glory. 

7. The Holy Spirit is reprefented as a guest, an in- 
habitant a. His perfon being infinite, and all the 
faints the one myftical body of Chrift, he in his per- 
fon and influence, rtfides in each of their hearts. This 
dwelling he chufes, prepares., and fumifhes for hira- 
felf, and is, with inexpremble delight, ever prefent' 
and operative therein. BiefTed one, let all my powers 
be filled with thy glory. It I have not thee, I am none 
of Chrift's. 

8 He is compared to a dove or turtle £. In fubfift- 
ence he is diflinc"r. from the Father and Son ; is a com- 
plete, a divine perfon in himfclf. How inrinitelyglorious, 
pure, and holy! How meek,condefcending, and peaceable! 
How firmlj he cleaves to fuch as are once joined to him ! 
How fwiftly he flies to relieve and eomfort them ! How 
affectionately he delights in them ! how convincingly he 
informs their confeience, that the winter-ftorm of God's 
wrath is pafl, and the floods of his vengeance dried up! 
And, by refiing on Chriit and his members, how mynVri- 
oufly he conveys his quickening^ fanclifying, meekening, 
and refrefliful influence ! 

9. He is called the power or finger of God c. Ope- 
rating in his perfen, with what allcniming might and 
ikill, doth the divine nature make, furnifh, and adorn the 
works of creation, providence, and redemption ! Come, 
my foul, behold the doing of the Lord; let it be won- 
drous in thine eyes. 

10. He is c m pared to FIRE, and called the fpirit of 
burning d. How powerfully his influence penetrates into 
the iinnuil re$ (Tea c f our foul ! How it enlightens our 

m Rom. viii. b a! it h, Hi. 16. Son? ii. 12. c Luke i. 34, and 
xi. 20. d iia, iv. 4. Acts ii. 3. 



Of metaphors respecting the Holy Ghost. ii£ 

mind; melts, foftens, and fubdues our will ; purges our 
confcience^ warms and quickens our afte&ions; comforts 
our heart : confumes our drofs, rendering us holy as*he 
is holy, and enabling us to afcend in heavenly delires, 
affection:: and meditations ! But ah ! how hindered, ob- 
fcured, and quenched, by carnality of mind ; by fenfua- 
lity ; (loth, or pre fumptuous iinning! He is reprefented 
by cioven tongues of lire fitting on the apoftles, to de- 
note his qualifying them zealoufly, fuccefsfully, and 
in divers languages, to preach the everlaiting goipel. 
He is called feven lamps of nre, to denote his perfect 
fulnefs of enlightening and heart-warming influence. 

11. He is compared to WIND a. in what a fovereign, 
furpriling, incomprenfibie.. inviiible, piercing, powerful, 
and conquering manner, do his convincing, his iljuniinat* 
ing, his renewing, comforting, ftrengthening, his heart- 
melting, drawing, enlarging, ianctiiying, his luff-cooling, 
fin-mortiiying, his interceding, wiuiefiing, and feaiing in- 
fluences afiecl our fouli His influences are reprefented by 
a mihing mighty wind; toiignify, that nothing can with- 
stand their power. They are called four winds ; to de- 
note their abundant variety; their fitnc fs and readinefs to 
anfwer every man's cafe. His convincing influences are 
called the north wind, becaufe often boiitercus, alway 
nipping to our confeience, cauiing us to tremble on ac- 
count of our iinful nakednefs and guilt. His enlighten- 
ing and comforting influence is called the fouth wind, 
becaufe it delights, warms, refrefhes, and fr-uclifies our 
heart. 

i 2. The Holy Ghoft is compared to rain and dew h. 
What a free, a fovereign, a feafonable gift of God to men! 
How gently; how gradually; how exteniively, and irrefti- 
biy, do his influences defcend on our foul ! and on lorne, 
while others are palfeG by! How abfoluteiy necefTary in 
the feed-time of converfion; and in thefeafon of fpi ritual 
drought, whether occafioned by defertion or caufed by 
carnal care, and prevalent lull ! How oft they defcend m 
confequence of fervent prayer ! And what a beneficial, 
foftening, and refrething, fructifying, and adorning mer- 
cy to the church! 

a John iii. 8, Ezek. xxxvii. 9. Seng iv. 16. b Isa y, 6. 



Il6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

13. He is compared to water **. How abfolutely ne- 
peffary his influences to our fpi ritual life ! In the gofpel, 
how generally offered and free! How effectual to quench 
tne fire ©f luff, of pride, of paiTion. hatred, malice; to ex- 
tinguiGi the fiery darts, the temptations of S-.tan ; to 
cleanfe away our finful defilement; heal our ipititual 
wounds and bruites; foften our ltony hearts, and render 
them fufceptible of imprefiaons by the word, the provi- 
dence of God! How fweetly they refrefh our languishing 
foul; quench our finful thirft after carnal things; noi.rim 
our new man ; render us itrong in gracious habits, and 
fruitful in every good word and work ! God's pouring 
put this water, denotes his liberal and abundant com- 
munication thereof. His fpnnkHng it on us, imports his 
real, his- clofe, his plentiful, kindly, fkilful, and gradual 
application thereof. 

14. He is compared to waters; rivers; and 
Floods b, How pure $ perpetual, free, patent ! How 
abundant, powerful, unfearchable, fpreading, and all- 
overcoming his influence ! How pkafant, refrefhing, 
cleaning ! How fructifying, enriching, adorning, and 
protecting ! How, on fome occafions, they overflow 
the banks of ordinances, their ordinary channels ! By 
thcfe, how fweetly we trade with God, in receipt of 
l;is free favours, and returns of holy duties ; and 
with men, in the exercite of charity and brotherly kind- 
nefs ! By them, how fweetly are we feparate and diitjn- 
guifbed from carnal men, are protected from our fpiri- 
tual foes; and at laft carried out into the ocean of enolefs 
felicity! He is called living waters.; water of lite ; a well 
of water, fpringing up to everlaiHng life. His influ- 
ences are ever frtiri and running ; and do beget, refiorc, 
maintain, and perfect the life of our foul. His proceeding 
from under the temple; from Jeruialem; from under the 
throne of God, and the Lamb; bis running befide the al- 
tar in the mid it of the city towards the eait, to water the 
valley of Shittim ; and running into the dead fea, caufing 

very thing to live, and be fruitful ; henlingevery thing 
except the mariihes, and continuing both fumtntr and 

a John iii. 5. b I«a xxxv. 6, and x)iv. 4. Zech. xiv. 8. Kev\ xxii 
7- Jo^i iv. 14. Ezek. Klvii. i,— 15. iiev. xxii. i, 2, JoelmiS. 



c 



Of metaphors respecting the Holy GbosU lif 

winter ; imports, that is faving influences are the fruit of 
Jefus' death, and of God's being pacified and pleafed in 
him ; that they are eafiiy and equally acceffible to all in 
the church ; that they water the lowly, fructify the bar- 
ren, quicken the dead, and make all that are ordained to 
eternal life to revive, and live by faith on the Son of 
God ; that they are to be obtained, and do attend the 
faints, in every cafe, pleafant or diflrefiing. BlefTed 
River, O quicken and make glad the city of our God, 
May thy floods prevail, till our high-eft mountains of 
corruption, error, and di virion, be covered. 

1 5. The Holy Ghoft is compared to Wine a. Is not 
his faving influence the fruit of Jefus' prefTure, in the fat 
of his Father's fury ? And how refremful, exhilarating, 
nutritive, flrengthening, and emboldening to our foul ! 
How, bleffed Spirit, it refreflies my languishing heart, 
and reftores her again ! How it fills me with joy and 
gladnefs ; itremgthens me in the Lord my God; enables 
me to run in the way of his commandments, when thou 
hail enlarged my heart ; makes me to rejoice in God my 
Saviour, rejoice in tribulation, and fill my mouth with 
his praife all the day ! How it emboldens, me to come 
near unto God, even to his feat, and plead my very- 
crimes, as an argument for mercy ! Refrefhed with this 
wine, I feek out my fpi ritual enemies ; and in the name 
of the Lord deilroy them. Though ten thoufands rife 
lip againft me, in this I am conn Jen t :, dauntlefs, I re- 
fill the devil, till he flee from me; crucify the lie fh with 
her affections and lufls ; glory in the crofrof Ghrift, by 
which the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the 
world, 

16. The holy Ghoft. is compared to MILK h. How 
pure and unmixed his influence! How fweet and plea- 
fant ! How nouriiliing under weaknefs ! How natural 
provifion to the heaven born foul ! How medicinal and 
healing ! How reftorative under fpiritual confumptions! 

17. He is compared to oil and ointment £. How ef- 
ficaciouily his influences enlightenour mind in the know- 
ledge of Ghrift and fpiritual things; foften our hearty 

a Isa. W, x. Joel iii. 18. b Song v. 1. c 1 John ii. ao z7, 

JPs.il. xlv. 7. Rev. iii. ;S. 

K3 



Il8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

fearch, cleanfe, and cure our fpiritual wounds ! revive 
exhilarate, warm, refrefh, nourifh, ftrengthen, and adorn 
our foul ! How they fweeten, give an agreeable relifh to 
the word, and providence of God ! expel the poifon, the 
venom of finful corruption ! prevent convulfive fits of 
■unbelief, defpordent fainting, and carnal fear I open ob- 
ftruclions of legal terror and perplexing doubts ! how 
they enable to breathe after God in holy defire and fer- 
vent prayer! anoint and confecrate us to, and qualify 
■us for ferving God, and warring with our fpiritual foes! 
Never, blefled Spirit, can thy influence utterly dry up, 
florin the leaft incorporate with our luft : and for this, 
how hated ; how difrelifhed by carnal men! He is called 
the o:l of joy or gladnefs ; for, what pleafure and joy, 
efpecielly in the heavenly ftate, doth his influence pro- 
duce ! Under its power, I rejoice in tribulation, count 
it all joy when I fail into divers temptations. 

1 8. The Holy Ghoft is compared to a seal a. By the 
application cf his word and gracious infiueuce, he, with 
infinite power and authority, changes our heart, making 
us hely as he is holy. H^ ftamps the authority of Hea- 
ven tapon the hiftories, the doctrines, the laws, the pro- 
mifes, threatenings, and prediclio:.s of fcripture; and 
unfolds, or conceals them from men as he pleafeth. 
His chofen he confirms the new covenant with, confirms 
them in their gracious ftate, feals them up to the day of 
redemption, hides, fecures, and diftinguifueth them from 
the reft of the world. Nay, he it was that furnifhed 
and marked out our adored Jefus to his mediatory office. 
.At your higbeft peril, do you, fons of men, counterfeit 
and break this feal, by adding to, or taking from the terms' 
or fenfe of his word j or by indulging yourfelves in hy- 
pocrify and luft. If I name the name of Chrift, let me 
depart from iniquity. 

19. He is compared to an earnest h. Of the fame 
nature with thefe in heaven, are his influences conferred 
in this life : they confirm God's covenant to us, and our 
engagement to him : they fecure our eternal hsppinefs ; 
and are fufficient to prefcrve our fpiritual life, till we 
arrive at that more abundant perfection. BlefTed Spirit, 

a Eph. i. 13, and iv. 30. b Eph. i, 14. 



Of metaphors respecting good Angels. 1*9 

be thou in me, my God, my guide, my feal, my earneft 
my all. 

+*• ■*- s- (U *? ^- -^- 
CHAP IV. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTI NG GOOD ANGELS. 

I. ^Y NGELS are called Elohim or Gods a, for their 
jLJL fpiritual nature, their tranfeendent dignity, 
power and wifdom. 

2. They are called sons of God b. Immediately were 
they created by hiin, and dearly are they beloved in his 
fight ; daily they attend his glorious prefence; and hit® 
the moll familiar intimacy are they admitted. How like 
him in their fpiritual fubftance, wifdom, and ilrength ! 
How actively they imitate him in his fpotlefs holinefs, 
and care of his church ! And with what readinefs, de- 
light, and pleafure, do they keep his commandments, 
and hearken to the voice of his word ! 

3. They are called princes, principalities, powers, 
thrones, dominions c* With diftinguifhed power, and 
as the deputies of God, do they infpeel:, manage, and 
direct events unnumbered, and execute his purpofes of 
mercy and judgment on earth. 

4. They are called God's host d. Commanded by Je- 
hovah, by Jefus the captain of our falvation, in comely 
order, they guard and protect his faints ; reprefs, or cut 
off his and their enemies ; and with loud Hallelujah's ce- 
lebrate his victorious triumphs. Rejoice, ye ranfomed, 
more and ftronger are with you, than with the world. 

5. They are called watchers e. They fleep not, day 
nor night ; but continually are they exercifed in attend- 
ing and prailing God ; in waiting their respective orders 
from him ; ia careful obfervation of perfons and things 
in this world ; in providing for, in healing, comforting, 
teaching, encouraging, guarding, delivering, and rejoicing 
over the faints ; m tranfporting their foul to heaven at 
death, in gathering and feparating them from the wicked 

Psal. xcvii. 7. b Job xxxviji. 7, c Col i, 16. Dan, x. 21, 

4 Gen, xxxij, 2. $ Dan. iv. 



y?0 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

at the laft day ; and in infatuating, reftraining, and ruin- 
ing their enemies : and are not they fometimes divine- 
ly employed to give warning of approaching judgments 
or mercies ? 

6 Angels are reprefented as the messengers of God, 
and ministers to his faints a At God's commiflion 
they come forth to anKt the feints, in whatever bufinef3 
they have need of them. How oft they affift to provide 
for tfeeir bodies, to heal their maladies ; direct and pre- 
ferve them on journies ; deliver them from outward ca- 
lamities ; reftrain what tends to hurt them ; or cut off 
their enemies ! How oft they make known to the faints 
the will of God; fuggeft good thoughts ; comfort them; 
help and afliil them againft temptations ! See No 5. 

7. They are called men h. Oft they appeared in the 
likenefs of ftrong and beautiful men, importing their 
beauty of holinefs, and their readinefs to run in the way 
of God's commands, or to fight his battles. 

8. They are called (JHERUBIMS c> becaufe of their 
ftrength and comelinefs. And if the cherubims of image- 
work had four faces, that of a man represented angels 
knowledge, affection, majefty> prudence, and beaut}' 1 : 
that of a lion, their might, boldnefs, «":nd courage ; that 
of an ox, their delight, patience, activity, and faithful- 
nefs in God's fervice ; that of an EAGLE, their immediate 
vifion of God ; their deep penetration into his myfteries; 
their perpetual vigour; and quick execution of their 
work". 

9. Pei haps they are called seraphims, or fiery ones 
d becaufe of their fpiritual nature, parity, ftrength, 
and majeflic awe. Their wings import their vigour, 
readinefs, and quick execution of God's commandments; 
the covering of their faces with their wings, Cgnifies 
their incapacity to behold the full brightnefs of the di- 
vine glory ; their covering of their feet with their 
wings, denotes tiieir blufhing at their beil fervice before 
God. 

10 Angels are compared to chariots and horses e, 
beeauft ot their fpifxt&al comelinefs, ftrength, courage, 

c Heft, i . r 4. b Oen. xviii. and x;x. c ?sa!. xviii. 10. d fca. vi. 2,-4, 
t i Kings ii. Hj a.ivi vi. 17, 



Of metaphors respecting good Angels, tit 

and ufefulnefs, in the difplay of Ged's prefence, majefty, 
glory, and might; in faving his people transporting them 
to paradife, and in conquering and treading down their 
oppofers. They are ibmetimes reprefented as red and 
fiery, to fignify how terrible and deftru&ive their exe- 
cution of God's wrath ; and what dread their protection 
of the faints i'pread among their, enemies ; fometimes as 
white, to denote their execution of God's purpofes of 
mercy and love ; fometimes as black, to fignify the un- 
feai chabte, awful, and confounding nature of their work; 
fo.meti nes as bay and grizzled, to li^mfy their mixed 
execution of merry and w T rath. 

11. Angels are called morning stars a. Created in 
the beginning of God's work, hovv beautiful and glorious 
in their nature ! how conftant in their holy exercise ! 
how ufeful to conduct, and comfort the faints, in the dark 
morning of their militant {late ! And is not their attend- 
ance, s fure pledge of an approaching, a near day of 
endlefs brightnefs and joy ? 

12. They are compared to flames OF FIRS b. How 
eminent their love to God ! how burning their zeal for 
his glory ! How awful, irrefiitible, and oft fudden, is 
their deil ruction of the wicked ! How complete their 
defence of the faints ? 

13. They are campared to the wind c Invifible to 
our bodily eye, they come forth, move, and act at the 
pleaiure of God. How trarifcebdentiy quick and power- 
ful their operation, in blafting the perfon and property 
of the wicked "; and in refreihing the faints, and help- 
ing them iorward to their haven of blifs I 

CHAP. V. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING FALLEN ANGELS. 

1. ^r'HEY are called devils, or falfe accufers d. 
-*. Moll wickedly they flander God to men, xnif re- 
presenting his wifdom,his power, holinefs, jullice ? good- 
Dels, mercy, and truth ; hia doctrines, his laws, purpofes, 

a Jobxxxviii. 7. b Psal. civ. 4. c Psa!. civ. 4. Heb. d Matth. iv. 24. 



I 32 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

promifes, threatenings, and providence. To obtain hi 6 
permifiion to hurl and deftroy, how oft they malicionfly 
accufe men to God ! Hew oft to mens own confeience 
they falfely accufe them, flints as hypocritic diffemblers; 
and convinced perfons as chargeable with the unpardon- 
able fin ! How actively, though fecretly, they fuggeft 
the reproachful thoughts and fpeeches fo common on 
earth ! Till I chufe to be a devil incarnate, let me fpeak 
evil of no man. 

2. They are called principalities, powers, and ru- 
lers, of the darknefs of this world a> How great and 
extenfive their power anddominion over Jews, Heathens, 
Mahometans, and nominal Chrifttans, thefe large, but 
blind and ignorant tribes of mankind ! Ignorance and de- 
lufion are the iupport of their power and influence ; men 
being all naturally ignorant of God, are fubject to them, 
till effect u ally caUed from darknefr, toGoJ'i marvellous 
light : and where, on earth, the light of infpired truth is 
unknown, or obfeured, they openly govern. Ah, how 
thefe other lords have had dominion over me I But now 
Lord, will I only make mention of thy name! 

3. They are compared to warriors b. Armed with 
the permiflion of God and their own malice, with the ut- 
moft fury and fraud, they appofe the work of God, in his 
church and the fouls of men 5 terrible, dettructive, and 
fiery darts of temptation thzy call into mens hearts ; fiery 
contentions and perfections thej- call into the vifible 
church ; often, with open violence, they attack the peo* 
pie of God ; oft, under ibme innocent or holy appearance, 
they lay fnares for their life : proud, daring unwearied, 
and cruel, they alway thiifl for our ruin: Con dandy 
they watch in their own defence, and feizs every advan- 
tage againft our foul. How ofc they take captive, and 
cruelly ufe the molt precious faints ! How haughtily 
they triumph in r-very defeat given to the church, and 
her true members I Butfrcih rprinkled witkjefus'a blood 
ftrong in his might, refill, my foul, the devil, and he 
m.ill ile.- from thee. 

4. T Key are called Belial without yoke, profit, or af- 
Ccuc c. Furioufly they rebel againft God, as if unoound 

% l: ph. /i. II. b Rev, x;i. 7. c z Cor. vi, 15. 



Of metaphors respecting fallen Angels. 12^ 

by his law ; no promife to their deluded votaries they 
fincerely regard : nothing in them, or done by them, is 
of any true value or ufe ; never {hall they regain their 
former eftate, or afcend to their ancient felicity. 

5. They are compared to FRJ30NERS and CAPTIVES a. 
In the llrong, the tormenting, the fhameful chains of 
darknefs ; the chains of their own corruptions, and of the 
condemning curfe, and reftraining providence of God, are 
they confined, and bound over to endlefs wrath. From 
their wretched (late they can never efcape ; nor can they 
do ought, without a divine permiflion. In his death, m 
his exaltation to glory, Jefus took them captives, and 
condemned them to the 11a villi drudgery of fcourging his 
foes, or chaflizing his children, as he pleaferlj. Let never 
their dread damp my foul ; they are fail bound in my 
God, my Saviour's chain. 

6. They, and their agents, are compared to fowls of 
the air b. How devoid their condition of all truenxed- 
nefs and reft I How fuddenly they afT.mlt us when hearing 
the facred word, and carry it off from our memory, our 
heart, our aifeclion ! Lord, hide it deep in my foul, that 
it may ever abide with me, and bring forth much fruit. 

7. They are called goats, or hairy ones c. Before 
God, their moral appearance; oft before men, their vifi- 
ble, howunfightly, abominable, and (hocking 1 How they 
delight in, feed upon, and are filled with the poifon of 
iniquity! their behaviour, how deteftable to every one 
holy and pure ! With what pleafure they perform mif- 
chief ; what injury they do Ch rift's militant Iheep ! And 
how oft, under the form of goats, fatyres, and other 
hairy animals, have their Heatheniih votaries adored 
them ! 

8. Evil angels, efpecially their chief, is called Satan, 
the malicious, obilinate, impudent adverfary d. How 
burning, fhamelefs, and implacable, their malice towards 
God, or towards men ! How craftily; how furioufly they 
feekand feize opportunities of diihonouring the former, 
and ruining the latter ! When he fpeaketh fair, my foul, 

a Rev. xx. r, 2. Jude 6. P*a!. Ixviii. 18. h Ma'ttV. xiii. 4. 

cLev. xvii. 7. z Chroa. xi. 15. Heb. d Job i. and ii. 



124 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

believe him not, for there are fevea abominations in his 
heart. 

9. Satan is caDed the god ot-this world a. The moil 
parts of men on earth he gives laws to, governs, directs, 
and influences ; ^nd by their ignorance, profanenefs, dif- 
fimulation, idolatry, and fuperliuion, is he chearfully and 
zealoiitly worshipped and ferved. Other evil (pirns, wick- 
ed magistrates, ana minillers, are his angels, meflfengers, 
attendants, and deputies, whom he fends forth to aft in 
his name. Tranfgreffing againft Go£ 9 and injuring the 
fouls of men, is his acceptable worihip. Sinful oaths, 
witchcraft, forcery, charming, necromancy, are his 
folemn appointments. Supetftitious feafons are his fab- 
baths, his feitivals. Balls, iiage-plays, drunken clubs, 
conventions for idolatry, or will- worihip, are the folemn 
aflemblies of his adorants. Come not, my foul, into their 
fecret : mine honour be thou not united. 

ic. Satan is transformed into an angel of light h. 
Once he was fo ; and how oft, while he feeks to promote 
the vileft crimes, doth he put on the moil mining pre- 
tences to eminent knowledge, wifdorn, evangelic liberty, 
holinefs, or zeal ! Be not, my foul, ignorant of, or in«ci- 
vertant to his devices. 

11. He is callea the prince of the power of the air c. 
Such evil fpirits as partly rtfide in, and fly about in the 
air ; fuch unliable men as labour and feed on airy and 
unfubitantial fancies, are under his rule and direction. 
And, at God's permiflion, he can raife aerial (terms 
and tempefts. Is my God in the heavens ? wbatpleafed 
him he hath done : die not then, my foul, for want of 
fubftantial wifdom ; sik it of God. 

12- He is called the FATHER of lying and liars d. By 
him was deceit and ialfehood conceived and brought into 
the world By him it is aiitdionately chtrifhed, pro- 
tected, encou aged, and rewarded with momentary, but 
carnal profit and pieafurc. Men he iiifl rendered wicked 
and deceitful; and by them is he naturally, cheerfully, 
and readily honoured and obeyed. Behold yourparent, 
you children of falfchood ar.d guile ; be alhamed ; re- 
turn, do fo no more. 
(i 2 Cor. iv. 4. b 2 Cor. xi. 14. c Epl), ii, 2, d John viij. 44. 



Of metaphors respecting fallen ait gels. 12$ 

13. He is compared to a captain a. How aclive, dar- 
ing, and crafty, in his warlike attempts againft God and 
bis people ! What numbers of evil angels, of wicked 
men, of raiftaken faints, he gathers, hires, encourages, 
directs, and commands to concur with him in fighting 
againft God and his ways ! But if God be for me, who 
can be againft me ? Though mine enemies flourifh, it is 
that they may be dtftroyed. 

14. Satan is called a strong man armed, that keep. 
eth the houfe in peace b. Armed with his own ma- 
lice, with the divine permiflion, with the curfe of the 
broken law lying on men's confcience, and with the 
dominion of fin over our heart ; he, with great power, 
activity, care, and craft, maintains his work of wicked- 
nefs in, and his authority over us ; confirms and pro- 
motes our ignorance and unconcern j bolts our heart 
with carnality, enmity, unbelief, or defpair, till Jefus, 
who is ftronger than he, in the day of his power come, 
recal his permiflion, awaken our confcience, enlighten 
our mind, remove the curfe, fubdue our corruption, 
and fo fpoil him of his armour and goods. Search, 
my foul, and look, who is thy guardian j who keepeth 
thee. 

15. Satan is compared to a traveller c. Conftanr- 
ly he walks to and fro in the earth, to fpy opportuni* 
ties of miichief ; to tempt and ruin men. Oft for a 
while, he fecmingly departs from wicked profeflbrs, 
with-holds his grofs fuggeftions, or even ftirs up to the 
external performance of religious exercife. After em- 
ploying himfelf a while in the heart of real belie vers t 
where there is lefs corrupt moifture to work upon, or 
in dry and withered Heathenifli countries, he returns 
to thefehe had deierted, and hurries them more furiouf- 
ly than ever into wickednefs. Why, to entertain him, 
didft thou, Hebrew monarch, defile the wife of thy 
faithful hero? his one lamb, that lay in his bofom ? 

16. Satan is compared to a sower of tares d. In the 
field ef creation he firft fowed the feeds of iniquity His 
curfed temptations he daily fows in our heart, to pro- 

Ju 

a Rev. xii. 7. & Matth. xii. 29, c Matth# zii, 4f» to tf* 
d Matth. xiii. 39. 



i^5 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

iduce the good-checking tares of finful luft. By him Is 
the feed of open abominations, contention, idolatry, and 
willworfhip Town among men. He is the true parent cf 
r-verj tare-like, every naughty perfon in the church. 
How Lord, has thy enemy (owed tares in my foul, while 
I flept ! Nor {foall they be weeded out, till 1 die. 

17. He is compared" to an hunter and fowler a. 
"With ailon idling and unwearied cave, alertnefs, and 
fraud, he allures, heindifoernibiy fpreads his entangling 
nets of temptation ; transforms nirafelr into an an^el of 
light ; employs falfe teachers, wickeci rulers, and de- 
ceitful men, to enfnare and ruin our foul. And how 
oft we are unawares entangled, undone ! Lord, deliver 
me as a bird, as a roe, from this hunter j from the 
fuare of this fowler. 

j 8. He is compared to a lion b. How terrible his 
roaring, hi.,- temptations to the watchful faint ! How in- 
idtiable in doing mifctiief 1 With what vigour, violence, 
and cruelty, he ever fetks to devour the iouls, efpecially 
of his oppofers ! Blefted Lion of the tribe of judah, for 
me, tear nim in pieces, while there is none to deliver: 
make me iober and vigilant ; becaufe he gees about 
ie eking whom he may devour. 

19 Lie ia called a great dragon c How terrible his 
appearance ! How mocking his nercenefs ! his bloody 
cruelty ! How outrageous his fury and malice againit 
mankind, chit fly again!! Chrift and Ins followers, who 
dare to oppofe him, and trample on his authority ! How 
fuddenly he afTaults ! How infectious and deadly his 
Lites^ his breathing, his temptation to our foul ! In the 
night of debafement, how he !.it and bruifed, though not 
infected the heel, the manhood of Jcfus ! In the night 
of ignorance, defection, and trouble, how he allaults the 
childr< n oi men ! When, Lord, wilt thou bruifc : when 
ihali 1 iread the Lion, and the dragon under my feet? 

ic. batan is called an old sEHPENT d. In the form 
of a fcrptnt, he anciently feduced mankind. In this form, 
have the}- (nice frequently adoied him 1 How filled with 
the poifaii of fintui coi 1 upiion, wherewith lie infects and 
juius t»ie children of men ! How ailoniihing his fubtle 
• Pfov. vi. 4, 5. b \ Tet, v. 8. t RCV, ix, 24, J Kcv.xx. z» 



Of metaphors respecting men in general* izy 

deceit ! How deep rooted his envy ! His iiralice, how im- 
placable ! With what furprifing care, craft, and vigour, 
he fecures his head, his authority! Come not, my foul, 
into his lurking places; pafs not by his paths; turn it- 
way; get thee far hence. 

CHAP VI. 

OF METEPHORS RESPECTING MEN IN GENERAL. 

I *]\ TEN are compared to a human body. A human 
-L*A body is their mod vifible part ; their complex 
frame confifts of various well-conne&ed powers and mem- 
bers, and grows to a proper meafure and frature. Many 
bodily members and a6ls, are ufed as fimbols of human 
acls and endowments. To bow down the head as a bul- 
rufti a. imports appearance of humiliation and grief,with- 
out any real concern. Women's having power on their 
head becaufe of the angels h, imports, that in religious af. 
femblies, where holy angels obferve, where evil angels 
tempt, women ought to mark their huiband's power over 
them by a* decent covering on their head. The failing 
of the countenance c, denotes a mixture of fhame, anger, 
and grief. To open the ear d, is to hear, or make one 
hear with attention. To flop the ear e, is to refufe and 
difiegard. Tingling of the ears f, iignifies mocking 
terror at the report of fome fearful calamity. Itching 
ears g, denote uafettled levity of mind, always defirous 
of novelties, and not rclifhing fimple truths. Eyes h 
reprefent knowledge, and what h dear to a man. A 
right eye to be plucked out i, is a beloved iuft, or en- 
deared iiiif ul enjoyment, deemed very pleafant and u(e~. 
ful ; and which cannot, without much pain, be morti- 
fied or forfaken To lift up the face or eyes k imports 
boldnefs, courage, expectation, and delire. Not to do 
it /, implies fhame and bluftii.ig. Oar eyes look ftraight 
on>7z, when we fingly aim at the glory of God ; candidly 
efpy and follow the path of duty, without turning afic|e 

L 2 

a Tsa. Iviii. 5. 61 Cor. xi. 10. c Gen. iv. 5. d Isa. xiii. 20. 

« Acts vji. 57. / 1 Sam. xiii. 11. g 2 Tim iv. 3. b Deut % 

xvi. 19 Gen, ili. 5. iMatfb.v.29. k Job xxii. 26, Isa. xxxvii. 23* 

JP;iaL c:\xiii. 1. I Ezra. ix. <5. m Prov. iv. 25. 



IjS SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

to any crooked way. An evil eye a, imports difcovered 
CovetQufnefs, malice, hatred, or difcontent. To be ofc 
one month b 9 is to be, profefs, and fpeak the fame rhing- 
To devour with open mouth c t is greedily, quickly, 
extenfively, and almolt irrecoverably, to fwallow up and 
deftroy. To open the mouth wide, that God may fill 
it d, is earnestly to defire, pray for, expecl:, and receive 
his promiied goodnefs. To draw out the tongue, moot 
out the lip, and make a wide mouth againft one e, is 
cruelly, openly, and impudently, to mock and reproach 
him. To flop the mouthy, is to be, or to render one 
iiient, afhamed, and fenfible of guilt. To come out of 
the mouthy, is to proceed from one's authority, influence, 
or principles. To bring out of one's mouth or belly, 
what he had fwallowed h t is to take from him what he 
had unjuftiy feized, and feemingly fecured to himfelf. 
One's mouth kiffing his hand i, imports idolatrous re- 
verence, and w or (hi p. To keep the mouth or lips i, is 
to watch carefully over our fpeech. To lay the hand 
upon the mouth /, imports fenfe of guilt, blufhing, 
lhame, and refignation to the will of God. Mouth, lips, 
and tongue m, lignify fpeech. Uncircumcifed lips «, de- 
note a difficulty of fpeaking freely, readily, and pleafant- 
ly. God's fpeaking to men with ftarnmering lips, deep 
Ipeech, and another tongue c, imports his declaring his 
will, by making a foreign nation, whofe language is not 
underflood, to harrafs or deftroy them. To make the 
lips of thofe that are afleep to fpeak p, is to awaken, re- 
vive, edify, comfort, flothful and unconcerned fouls, and 
induce them to praife the Lord, andexprefs his kindnefs. 
The calves of theiips, and the fruit of the lips q, facred to, 
or created by God, are facriflces of prayer and praife, 
through his influence, offered up unto him. The priefts 
lips keeping knowledge r, imports their habitual readi- 
nefs to give good and wholefome inftruftion or reproof. 
The talk of the lips tendeth only to penury s, when it 
is vain and unprofitable, wafles time, is not attended with, 

a Frov xxiii 6. h i Kings xxii 13. c Isa ix 12. d Psallxxxi 10. 
« I^a lvii 4. /Rom iii 19. ^Rexxviij. £ Job xx 13,15. iJobxxxiJ7. 
k Fsa! xxxix. 1. / Job x l 23. ro Job xix 16, and li 10. n Exod vi 30. 
e Isaxxviii 11. p Song vii« 9- 5 Hos xiv 2. Isa lvii. 19. i* Mai. ii. 7* 
jProvxiv 23. 






Of metaphors respecting men in general 129. 

but hinders our proper work. The tongue 15 repre- 
fented as a fcourgea, beeaufe with its reviling, angry 
fpeeches, we kfh our neighbour. It is compared to a 
fire b, beeaufe its paffionate and fmful words emit the 
fire of inward luft j and kindles the In ft, pride, or paflion 
of others. It is called a world of iniquity. What 
aftonifhing and extenfive wickednefs is contained in our 
language! Or the words may be rendered an ornament 
of iniquity c, beeaufe by excufing, extenuating, and de- 
fending, it attempts to deck and gild over our fin with 
fair colours. It is reprefented as untameable d, beeaufe 
no creature can wholly reftrain it from evil. A foft 
tongue which breaketh the bones e, fignifles meek, mild, 
and humble language, which removes prejudices, melts 
the heart, and draws out the love, the compaflion of our 
friend or neighbour. The cleaving of the tongue to the 
jaws, or roof of the mouthy imports deep filence, jjain- 
ful thirft. Whifpering, or low fpeech g t fignifies our 
fpeaking in a humble, a debafed manner. Fair fpeech 
h, is flattery whereby we mew much more kindnefs than 
is really in our heart. Hard fpeeches z, are thefe which 
arepaffionate, contemptuous, and reviling. Sound fpeech 
i, is what is true, folid, and edifying to men's foul, To 
have a ft iff neck, a neck like an iron finew /, is to be 
obftinate and perverfe in finning. To harden our neck 
or heart m, is to defpife the alarms of God's word and 
providence, and refufe to return to him. To have a 
yoke on the neck n, is to lie under fore trouble and 
bondage. The arm 0, denotes help, power, and wealth. 
A fword on the arm p> denotes an enraged enemy, taking 
away our power and wealth. Drying up of the arm o t 
fignifles the lofs of our ftrength or riches, or of the pro- 
per ufe thereof. Pvfens eating the flsfli of their own 
arm r, is their deftroying what ought to be clear, or 
would be helpful to them. To make flefh our arm j, is 
chiefly to depend on men for our afiiftance and felicity* 

a Job v 2 r. h James iii 6. c James Hi 6. d James iii &. r Prov 
xxv 15. / Psal xxii. 35, and exxxvii 6. g Isa xxix 4. b Prov vii zt t 
jJudeis. ATitiiS. /Jerxvij«3. Isa xlvin 4. CTNehixi6.- D*utxv7„ 
n Jer xxvii 12, o Exek xxx 2r. p Zcdi xi 17. « Z&h Xi 17* 

r isa. ix 20. s Jer 5.vjii £. 



1 3° SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

Hands a, fignify power of receiving or acting ; and ou r 
actions and practice. Clean or cleanfed hands b t denote 
a holy and blamelefs converfation. Laying on of hands 
c, imported the conveyance of the Holy Ghoft in his 
miraculous influence, or the ordaining of men to office 
in the church. Stretching out the hand to God d, im- 
ports earneft prayer for, ready reception of, his faiva- 
tion, and cheerful furrender to his fervice. To lift up 
the hands to him e t is to pray earneftly. To lift up the 
hands that hang down, and feeble knees/, is to help and 
encourage perfons faint and diftrefTed. To lift up the 
hand againvt a king g, is to rebel againft him. Con- 
federation to the Jewilh priefthood is called filling of their 
hands h 9 becaufe therein their hands were filled with 
their wave-offering. Wafhing of the hands i, imports 
a folemn profeflion of innocence ; an application of jefus* 
blood for the removal of paft guilt ; and a ferious pur- 
pofe of reformation. Pouring water upon one's hand k 9 
fignified to be his fervant. Smiting the hands together /, 
imports an alarm of approaching judgment j or lamenta- 
tion over diftrefs. Clapping of hands m, denotes mous- 
ing for viclory; great joy and gladnefs. Men of war 
not finding their hands a, implies their being quite di£. 
piritedand difenabled to exert their might, and improve 
their advantages. A right hand, or right foot offending, 
to be cut off o, is a beloved luft, however dear and appa- 
rently ufefal, to be mortified. Their being a lie in our 
right hand/>, imports our loving, praftifing, and holding 
faft hypocrify and deceit. The putting out of the fin- 
ger q t imports ridicule and reproach. Rehoboam's little 
finger being thicker than his father's loins r, fignified, 
that he would reduce his fubje&s to far more grievous 
feivitude and punifhment. Shoulder s, fignifies ability 
to bear, help, or opprefs. Breads f, denote uleful com- 
fort and afliftance. Breafts or teats of virginity preifed 
•r bruifed u, imply eommiflion of whoredom, natural, or 
fpiritual. Smiting or tabering on the breafts v, implies 

«Jtrxxiiii4. fcJobxviip. c2Timi6. d Psal Ixviii jj : «Psal 
ixviii 2. /Hebxii iz. g iSam xx zi. fcExodxxixi). Heb. i Psaf 
axvi. 6. kz Kings iii u. / E/«k xxi 14. mPialxlviii. n P*al 
Ixxviii $• Mattu v 39. p Isa xlir zo. 4 Isa lriii 9,. r 1 Kings xii i«« 
)I$ajX4* ' Song.viii. lo. tfEzckxxiii.}. v Neh 11 7. 



Of metaphors respecting men In general. 131 

fore trouble, vexing grief, and bitter lamentation. Bo- 
fom a, denotes love, intimacy, fecrefy. But to hide the 
hand in the bofom b, imports exceflive floth. Bowels c t 
import companion, or the foul. Inward parts, heart, 
belly d 9 fignify the foul^ underftanding, will, afFedlions, 
and confcience. The curfe coming like water into one r s 
bowels e 9 imports extenfive and mocking inward fear, 
trouble, and grief. Unequal legs of the lame f % fignify, 
that one's profeffion and practice, or fome part of either, 
does not correfpond with the other. Feet or foot g, de- 
note the affections and converfation. To dip one's foot 
in the blood of his enemies h, is to behold an awful re- 
venge of their injuries. T© dip one's foot, or warn one's 
fteps in butter honey, and oil z, is to enjoy great pros- 
perity, or great abundance of thefe particular comforts. 
Stumbling or flipping of the feet i, implies the lofs of 
comfort or hope ; the falling into fin, temptation, or 
trouble. To withdraw the foot /, is to leave off a dan* 
gerous or (infill practice. To keep the feet m, is to watch 
over our affections and converfation, to preferve them 
from fin and danger. To open the feet, and fcatter the 
way to flrangers », implies great forwardnefs to whore- 
dom or idolatry. Stamping with the foot. ©, is expref- 
five of great trouble and anguifh. Stamping down, 
treading under foot />, implies contempt* abufe, utter de- 
ftru&ion. To lift up the feet q 9 imports walking with 
fpeed, alertnefs, and joy. To lift up the heel ; to kick 
againft r 9 imports contemptuous treachery and rebellion* 
To kick againft the pricks s 9 is furioufly 10 offend God, 
and injure his people, notwithftanding of eminent warn« 
ing and danger. The iniquities of our heals t 9 are the 
fins of our daily converfation. Steps, footfleps u y repre- 
fent the a&s of our life, whereby we fet an example to 
others. To hear x, is to attend to, perceive, be afjfe&ed 
with. To lee y 9 is to difcern, experience, enjoy, iuffer, 
feel. To lafte z, is to experience, know, feel the power 

a Ecel. vif. 9. b Prov. xix 24, c Jsa. xvi. if. <f Prov xx, 5, 27, 
r Psai. cix. j&. /Prov. xxvi, 7. g Eccl. v. i. t> Psal. Ixviii, 2_j. 
jjobxxix. 6. 4Jobxii5, 2 Prov. xxv, 17. Isa. Iviii, 13, m £ccl. 
v.i, n Ezek.xvi. 25. oEzekvi.n. p Dan. viji. 13, q Gerj 
xxix. it r Psal xli. 9. t Acts ix 5. t Psal. xlix, 5. 9 Song i 8, 
j Isa. lv, j, j John vi 40. * Psal. xxxiv* 5, 



132 sacred Tropology. 

of, To handle a, is to have a familiar knowledge. To 
pant, hunger, thirfl b, is to have a deep, painful fenfe of. 
want ; and an earned defire and longing. To ftand c, 
imports a fixed condition ; a bold appearance; earneft 
prayer. Sittings/, imports reft; continuance; and fome* 
times honour. To fit under one's vine and fig. tree e t 
implies fafety, profperity, and comfort. To fit in the 
duft /J implies humility and abafement. Dwelling^, 
implies fixed continuance, and oft that attended with 
pleafureand delight. Walking h t reprefents thepraclice 
and converfation. Being hid f, is to be unknown, or 
protected. Clothing or garments k t reprefent the prac- 
tice, or what cleaves clofe to us, as our garments and or- 
naments do. 

2. Men are compared to husbandmen/. With great 
care and diligence are they to manage and keep the field, 
the vineyard of their heart and converfation. They are 
earneflly to breakup the fallow-ground of their foul; to 
labour after thorough convictions ; and as they fow in 
the fpring tide of this life, fo mail they reap hereafter : 
thefe that fow to the Spirit, fow in righteoufnefs, receive 
the righteoufnefs and Spirit of Chrift, and live agreeably 
thereto, mall reap in mercy, reap everlafting life : and 
thefe who fow to the flefh, fow among thorns, live under 
the influence of finful corruption and carnal cares, mall 
reap endlefs wo. 

3. Men are compared to beafts m. Their bodies are 
of the earth, earthly. How ignorant ftupid, and thought- 
lefs ! How vile, carnal; how outrageous, untameable, 
hurtful ! How generally they care only for their body, 
and neglect the concerns of their immortal, their rational 
foul ! How oft are even the worft horned with authority, 
and teethed with power of doing milch ief! How they 
roar like lions I mourn fore like doves, who have loft their 
mate ! hifs like ftrpents ! with anguifh wail like dra- 
gons I enlarge their baldnels ; mourn defperately ; and 
become ftripped of all things, like moulted eagles ! But 
bleiTed be the Lord, that now the Gentiles, as well as 

« 1 John i. t. b P«al. xlii I. MaltJi. v. 6, e Psal. i 5, 

1 Kingsxvii j, A Rev. jii. 21. fMJrahfryf, /Isa. xlvii 1. 

Z Joe] jit 20. h 2 Cor, x 3. i Nah. iii n. Job v 2a* 
*Jude2.j. / Hosca* J*. « EccJ iu iZ, 



Of metaphors respecting men in general, 133 

Jews, are cleanfed, and no man has right to exclude us 
from the ofrer of a Saviour, as common or unclean. 

4. They are compared to fowls or birds a How light 
and vain their difpofition ! How neceffary their depen- 
dence on air ! How great their flupidity ' their readi- 
nefs to be enfnared in the evil net of temptation ! How 
frequent their expofure to ilorms and hazard! How un- 
fettled their neil of carnal confidences, and earthly en- 
joyments ! What need of Jehovah for our provider, di- 
rector, and deliverer ! And how quickly mull we wing 
our flight into the eternal ftate ! 

5. They are compared to asses and wild AssEs b. 
How ftupid and unteachabie ! How excceedingly they 
affect the wildernefs of a prefent world; and of a natu- 
ral ftate ! how they fnuff up, and amufe themfelves 
with vanity ! how averfe to reftraints of their inclina- 
tion ! Stupendous ! has God redeemed me, a wild afs, 
with the death of his Son ; bis lamb ! hath he fent out 
my foul free ! and allowed me to diink my fill of the ri- 
ver of life, that runs among the hills of divine ordinan- 
ces ! the range of the everlafting mountains is my pa- 
sture. Scorn, my foul, the multitude of the city; be not 
conformed to the men of this world, who aft, as if born 
to make a noife, and no more. 

6. They are compared to dead dogs c. How delli- 
tute of power and life ! How bafe ! how vile and insigni- 
ficant And did the Son of God look upon ! did he die 
for ! did he efpoufe fuch a dead dog as I am ! Let my 
tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I ceale to pu- 
blifli the praifes of his love. 

7. They are compared to fishes d* How aftoniflbing 
their multitude! How different their difpofition, their fta- 
tion, power, and guilt ! In the fea of this world, in the 
fea of their natural date, with what confufion and uncon- 
cern they live and act! How barbaroufly they prey upon 
one another ; robbing every one his neighbour of his 
character, property, or life ! At laft, hew caught in the 
gofpel-net, and drawn to Jefus! Or caught in the net of 
trouble and punilhment, and drawn to infernal fire ! 

a Dan. iv. 12. b Job xi. 12. 
czSam.ix. S. 1 Sam* xxiv. 14. iHab.i.13. — 19. Matth. xiii. 47* 



j*4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

When, my Lord, mall I be fit for drawing to the happy, 
the eternal more ? 

8. They are compared to worms n. From the earth 
our bodies proceed j on it they live and move; and to it 
at death they return. How much we affect earthly things! 
Tne heart of the earth, the grave, is our long home. 
How infignificant our value and ftrength! How daily ob- 
noxious to ten thoufand dangers ! How e:ifi!y affrighted 
cr ruined! How different our tempers and difpofitions ! 
Some delight in the dunghill riches and prongs of this 
prefent world. Others with pleafure wallow amid un- 
fufferable corruption, uncleannefs, drunkennefs, malice, 
and other vices unnumbered. Some have a hypocrite, 
a gilded appearance, while their heart is filled with all 
unrighteoufnefs. Some, as glow-worms, mine only in 
the dark night of trouble or time ; in diltrefs how gra- 
cious, when pangs come upon them ! they fear the 
Lord, and cry to him. How many, as caterpillars and 
canker-worms, mar every thing good, which comes in 
their way ] How many, as the {ilk-worm, out of their 
own bowels, fpin a covering of feif-righteoufnefs ! But 
ah! how few, like her, fpend themfelves to be ufeful! Be 
thou, my foul, one of thefc; ready to fpend, and befpent 
for Chrift. 

9. David compares himfelf to a flea£ How hard 
for Saul to apprehend him ! And to how little pur- 
pofe, when done! Aftonifliing! how,Lord, haft thou pur- 

' fued and laid hold on me ! My goodnefs extendeth not 
into thee. O, why was not I curled, with the enjoyment 
of my mad wifb, of vanity, of filth, of di fiance from 
my God ! 

ic. Men are compared to flesk r. Our bcdy is a 
fl.fliy fubftance; and how weak and trail ;;rc we ! What 
a fource of inward corruption! Unlefs faked with God's 
purifying, his preserving, and fin-mortifying influence, 
how quickly, efpecially in the lummer of p: ^l'perity, do 
we be.o.iic utterly corrupt and noifome, with fi.it ul ha- 
bits, and wicked courfesj How quickly we die away to 
a ftate of corruption in th.* grave! Lord, what an infig- 
nificant dog's head am I ! O reclify me with thy grfcee 
a J Jb xxv. 6. b 1 Sain. xxiv. 14. c Isa. x!. 6. 



Of metaphors respecting men hi general. ij^ 

and make me as feaioniag, as purifying fait, to all a- 
rouncf me. 

ii. Men are compared to FRUIT- bearing trees.?. 
According to the quality of our nature, fuch is the fruit, 
the works, we bear in our life. If our heart be unrege- 
nerate, every thing we do is evil fruit; iboraination to 
the Lord ; we cannot ceafe from fin. If our nature be 
changed, we cannot b.ut in fome degree bring forth good 
works ; our pcrions accepted in Chrift, eur good works 
muit be well pleafing in his light. Now, my foul, the axe 
is laid to thy root; take heed left, for thy bad fruit, his 
judgments fuddenly cut thee off. 

12. They are compaVed to Tt<EEs OF THE wood h t 
How high in pride, or in dation, man)? of them tower! 
How barren of good woiks ! How confufed their order! 
How oft one draws the fa p from, and deprcfles his fellow! 
How four ; how unprofitable, or hurtful, their fruit! 
What'wild beads of finfu) corruptions, or Satanic fiends, 
lodge among them! How many of them, after they are a 
while ufed, by divine Providence, are cad into eternal 
fire ! How contemptible, all of them, in comparifon of 
Jefup, the apple-tree among the trees of the wood! Now, 
my foul, the axe of the gcfpel is laid to thy root, to cut 
thee off from thy natural flock; quickly lhall the axe of 
trouble or death be laid to my root; If I am found with- 
ouc Chrift, how fearful my fall! my wo! 

13. They are compared to grass and flowers c. 
From one root, what multitudes defcend! How freih, 
and pleafant ; but (hort-livec, our firft appearance on 
earth! How weak! how eaiily endangered! how quickly 
blafted and withered by trouble ! How oft, in the top 
of our profperity, are we mown down by death, and cait 
into the ovenofdivinevengear.ee! Under the mod bloom- 
ing and rich appearance, how oft the mod u n fa vo.ury lives 
and wicked hearts! Under an unfightly afpecl, hew 7 often 
a gracious difpoiition ! in the field of the world, that li- 
eth in wickednefs, grow the moii ; but in the church, 
the mod valuable. And even here, are not the flou- 

a Matin, iii. fo. and vii. i6,---2C b Song ii. 3. 

f Isa.,xl. 7, 8. James i. 10, 



I36 SACRFD TROPOLOGY, 

riming faints, at their heft, cropt off, and cut down by 
death ? 

14. They are compared to leaves, and stubble a. 
How light and unfubftantial! how quickly withered ! 
how readily pluckt and fcattered with trouble or death ! 
how eafily fcorched, or burnt up with the fire cf God's 
wrath ! how, Lori, haft thou purfued the leaf toffed 
to and fro ! hououred the dry flubble, to unite ME 
to, and fix me in thy Son! here no fire can confume 
me, no blaft can drive me away; neither height nor 
depth ; principalities nor powers, can feparate me from 
the love of God, which is in Chrift Jefus my Lord. 

15. They are likened to a wind that paffeth away b. 
How unfolid and fleeting ! how proud, noify, and 
boifterous I how blading and hurtful ! how fove- 
reignly, at God's pleafure, are they brought forth, 
and managed on earch ! how he rides on them as in- 
flruments for fulfilling his purpofes ! how quickly 
the breath of his mouth blows them into eternity ! 
Knoweft thou, my foul, whence I came? and whi- 
ther I fliall go ? 

16. They are compared to Potters vessels c. Form 
cd out cf the clay, acccrding to the fovereign will of God, 
how bafe in themfelves .' how eaiily broken te pieces ! 
how reafonably may God,at his pleafure, make them vef- 
fels unto honour, or difhonour i Bleffed for ever be the 
Lord; thoufands of them are veffels of mercy, afore pre- 
pared unto gbry. 

17. They are compared to postherds d. How broken 
by fin ! by trouble ! In themfelves, how ufelefs and un- 
profitable ! how expofed to the vilefi debafement! Never, 
ye frail, ye eafily deftroyed potlherds of the earth, ftrive 
with your Maker: let not the clay affront her Creator. 
Shall I, a broken pot, a worthlefs bruifed nothing, be 
refitted, fanttified, and made meet for the Matter's ufe! 

18. They are compared to earth> dust, and ashes e. 
Of earth we are formed ; on earth we live ; and to earth 
we return, by death. Naturally our affections cleave 
to earthly things. Ah! how unfit for fpiritual medita- 

a Joh. xiii. 2$. [b Fsal. Ixxviii. 39. e R»m. ix. 21. 

d Isa. xlv. 9, t Jer. xxii. a</, Gen. xviii. 27. 



Of metaphors respecting Men hi general* 137 

tion \ for heavenly defire ! for holy exercife ! How bafe 
before- God ! And how miferable, ftupid, and ufelefs, till 
enlightened, watered, warmed; and nourished, with the 
benign influence of his Spirit ! 

19 Man's foul is compared to a darling child a. 
How eminently precious ! How dear they ought to be to 
us ! Ought not the watching over, the feeding, the guid- 
ing, the clcanfing, the eternal falvation thereof, to be 
our great care ; our principal bufinefs ? For, what am I 
profited, if I gain the whole world, and lofe my own 
foul ? 

2C. It is compared to a ship b. How curious its 
frame ! How great its worth ! How extensive its ufe! 
With what care ought it to be bottomed in Jefus and 
his covenant ! to be clean Ted from all fUthinefs of neih 
and fpiritt and oft repaired with new ftrength and grace 
from the fulnefs of Chriil ! How incapable to move 
heavenward, without the gales of the Holy Gholt ! In 
the troubled fsa of this world, how expofed to fwelling 
billows of adverfity! to rocks of temptation! to rob- 
beries of Satan and wicked men ! How carefully are its 
motions to be watched, and its courfe directed by the 
word of God ! To fecure a happy landing on the mores 
of immortalitv, how neceiTary a firm anchoring of faith 
and hope in Jefus, the rock of ages, within the vail ! Ah, 
how many, the neglect of proper bottoming on Chrift, 
the neglect of proper ballaft of humbling grace, and of 
proper care about fpiritual things, bring to make fhip- 
wreck of the doctrines of faith, and of a good confeience! 
and to drown themfelves in everlafting perdition ! O to 
fwim for ever in the deeps of everlafting love, where 
there is neither brink, nor bottom, furface, nor more! 

ai. Man's foul is compared to a house or palace c* 
The undci {landing faculty is the windows; the receptive 
capacity is the door : the will, in her fupreme regard, is 
the throne : fin or grace is the furniture ; divine perfons, 
or infernal fiends, are the inhabitants. ChnfVs knocking 
for entrance at the door of it, is his alarming it by his 
providence; inviting it by his word; and ftriving for 
it, by the common operation of his Spirit. To open the 
M 

«» Fsal. xxii. 2; i Isa. Iiv. ir. <: Kev in. 2©» 



ifl SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

heart to him, is to receive his inftru&ive light into the 
mind, and embrace him and his given fulnefs as excellent, 
with our dtfire and will. Ah. n y lou), what bolts of ig- 
norance, Atheifm, enmity, pride, attachment to felf- 
rightcoufnefs, worldly mindednefs, fhut thee faft againit 
him ; 

22. Man's foul is compared to a treasury a. How 
fecret and undifcovered to the uorld ! Flow furnifhed 
with things deemed precious ; and which are indeed of 
everlafting eonfrquence ! With her contems, we trade 
with God, and with men. O could I, out of the good 
treafure of my heart, bring forth things new and old ! 

23. Man's foul or confcience is compared to a CANDLE 
or lamf£: Hew ufeful, enlightening, and fearching, her 
pewer ! At the infinite knowledge of God, and of his 
Son Jeius Chrift, muit her understanding be lighted. 
And hcwfmalljin companion thereof ! Ah, how neglect 
to improve our light, cccalions our walking in dark ig- 
norance; our failing into mares, and tumbling headlong 
into eternal mifery ! ■ 

24. Man's confcience is compared to a judge c. To 
our confcience it belongs to enquire into our itate; our 
thoughts, words, and actions $ compare them with the 
law of God ; and according thereto, condemn our wick- 
ednefs, and fentence us tc correction or punifhmer.t on 
account of it ; and approve what is good, and i.ilure Us of 
a proper reward for it. May my tchfeience be iprinkled 
with Jefcs' blood ; may my life be by faith on him, a 
constant looking tc, and following his fteps : fo fliallnot 
my heart reproach or condemn me, while I live. 

2C. Man's confcience is compared to a witness d. 
How prlvy-to all our conduct! W hen faithful, upon 
what ftrict examination it gives clear tefiimony oi the 
fact, and the form, of our actions, whether they be good 
or bad ' IT it live droufy, ignorant, and inattentive to 
the nature of our qualities, our thoughts, our words, or 
actions ; or is fwayed in its teiihyiony by any bribe, any 
conlideraticr, of carnal pleafure, honour, or advantage ; 
how horrid its wickednefs ! and what a plague to the 

» Jo!) xxxtii. 1 8. Matth. xi.i. 52. b P*" ov « xx - 2 7. 

c j John iii. 20, zi. d Rom. ix. 1, and 1;. J5. 



Of metaphors respecting Men in general. 1.39 

pafleflbr ! When faithful, what fecret abominations, or 
excellencies, it manifefts ! Hence, how reproached ; how 
abufed by the wicked ! And how loved by; and what a 
trufty friend, prote&or, and comfort to them who live 
foherly, righteoufly, and godly, in this prefent world .' 
How horrid the crime of (timing or denying its evidence! 
of muzzling its rnouth, by mad ruming into further W- 
bomination ! or of attempting to bribe it with fome 
carnal or legal motive ! My confcience, let me deal ten- 
derly with thee; he that toucheth thee, toucheth fhs 
apple of God's eye. Be thou, in a Saviour's blood 
purged from dead works, enlightened by his word, 
quickened by his Spirit, and foftened by his love: fo {halt 
tnon be to me a faithful reprover on an obedient ear ; 
thy fmiting (hall be a precious oil to me; with jo* and 
gladnefs mall I hear thy declarations at the decifive, the 
awful bar. 

26. Man's confcience is compared to an intimate 
Companion a. What important hints and intereftmg 
news, it can ever declare unto us ! What a candid re- 
prover, or kind comforter ! How ufeful to promote our 
holinefs and felicity, is true friendfhip and intimacy with 
it ! In the fecret watches of the night, and on eyer) im- 
portant affair, how neceiTary, is converfe with, and de- 
liberate confutation of it ! Turn a€de, even now, my foul 
and afk how this companion doth. Afe., what inward 
change have I felt ? what important choice have 1 made ? 
what fpiritual mercy do I need ? what is my great mo- 
tive ? whither do my affections bend ! am I born from 
above? is my heart married to Jefus ? is it right with 
God ? what have I done ? what hath the Rock of ifrael 
done to me ? whence have I come ? and whither fhould 

27. Man's confcienca is compared to a serpent, a 
gnawing worm b. By preferring our crimes by con- 
demning and upbraiding for them, it Uings and torments 
our foul.. You defpifers of Jefus, how, at laft, mall your 
now i>lind, now bribed, now feared confcience awake 
upon you ? For your breaking over the hedge of th e 
divint law, how fhall it bite you like a ferpent, and ftiiin- 

flPsaliv. 4, 6Eccl.x. 8. Mark x. 44. 

M a 



*4° SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

like an adder! How call your fin to remembrance, and 
flay jour foul i What lively, bright horror ihall flare 
through your eyelids, while the living worm lies gnaw- 
ing within you ! Be my conference* adored Redeemer, 
fatiate with thy blood ; fo iball it be a pieafant roe in 
my bofoin, a fupporting ftafFin my hand. 

C H A P VII. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING SAINTS. 

l % r I 'HE faints are likened to God a. They are made 
-1 partakers of, and have fellowship with the di- 
vine nature. How fpiritual their mind ! how real their 
wifdom ! their fan&ity J How tranfeendent their excel- 
lency above their neighbours ! How powerful their in- 
terefi, their prajer. in the government of the world I 
By weeping and (application they have power with God, 
and prevail; command him concerning his fons and his 
daughters, and the work of his hands : for their fakes 
the days of tribulation are fliortenecj ; and they have 
power to finite the earth with plagues as often as they 
wilL All are theirs, and they are Chrift's, and Chriit is 
God's. 

2. They are compared to angels h. How near a peo- 
ple to the Mod High ! How real and efficacious their 
views of his glory ! How intimate with Heaven! The 
fecret of the Lord is with them that fear him. How they 
run the way of his commandments, beaikcning to, and 
declaring the voice of his word ! In the future ilate, 
how marvellous their fpiritual wifdom and ftrength ! 
How perfect in holintfs ! How fully difengaged from e- 
very natural relation, and carnal concern ! How unin- 
terrupted ; how ready ; how chearful, unwearied, and 
iiniverfa), their fervice to God and the Lamb ! What 
manner of perfon ought 1 then to be, in all holy conver- 
sion ! 

3, In refpedt of different degrees of grace, they are 
likened to men of a different age c. Weak faints are 

a Zech xu 8. b Zeeh %ii 8. 1 *>tt i 4. c \ John i\ J*,—l4. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. \±t 

called babes, and little children". They cannot five 
comfortably without pleafant franus. How apt to be 
eafily tofTed to and fro, with temptations! with every 
wind of doctrine! How weak and unfit to digeit and feed 
on the deeper myfteries of God's word! or, without fre- 
quent daggering, to continue in the courfe of their duty! 
Saints of a moderate (landing and experience in grace, 
are called young men ; becaufe of their vigour j their 
alertnefs ;_and ability to attack and fight the good fight 
of faith, with Satan, with their lulls, and with a prefent 
evil world. And how upright their ftarure ; their con- 
verfation ! how heavenly ! how ready to run in the way 
of God's commandments ! Aged eminent faints are cal- 
led fathers. How multiplied their experience of Jefus' 
kindnefs ! How dillinguifhed their fagacity in knowing 
his voice and way ! How prudent their forefight of dan- 
ger; and ready hiding of themfelves under his wings ! 
How tender their love to weak faints ! How easneft 
their endeavours to inftruct, admouiih, and give them 
an inviting pattern of gofpel-nolinefs ! 

4. In refpect of different attainments, faints are com- 
parable to WOMEN of different ftations in life a. Young 
weak faints to virgins and daughters. Though their 
grace be real, yet how fcanty their experience of Chrift's 
power and love ! How fmail their boldnefs and confi- 
dence before him ! How ready to be flivifhly afraid, 
that every trial mall fink them ; every temptation feduce 
them from Chrift ! Others of fome ftanding, to concu- 
bines. For, how legal their difpofition ! How power- 
ful their fpirit of bondage ! How much influenced in 
duty by legal hopes of heaven, and fervile fears of hell I 
How limited the beauty and cheerfulnefs of their fpi- 
ritual practice ! How few diftinguifhed Vifits and views 
of Jefus' love they enjoy ! Strong believers are compa- 
rable to qjjeens. In the afTured faith of their marriage 
relation to Chriil, they daily live ; great is their fami- 
liar boldnefs, and fweet their intimacy with him. How 
triumphantly free grace reigns in tfceir heart ! How 
glorious it renders them before God, and their fellow 
faints .' Be thou, my foul, one of thefe ! 
a Song vi. 8, 9, and j. 5, and iii. 1 1 , 

M 3 



1$1 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

5 Saints in general are compared to women a : for 
their beauty, as adorned with Jefus* righteoufnefs "and 
grace; for their weaknefs; their tender affection ; their 
Hi ejection to manifold infirmities, troubles, and dangers 
on earth. The human body, efpecially of women, in 
its members and adjuncts, is often ufed to reprefent their 
endowments and concerns.. Their head upon them as 
Carmel, or crimfon I, fignifies Chrifl himfelf as a lofty, 
a bleeding Redeemer ; or, their top grace of hope, 
founded in his biood, iupportcd by faith as a neck, and 
animating their fpirit, and preferving it from finking ; 
and which looks at things that are heavenly, diftant, and 
eternal. Their hair on their head, as a flock of goats, 
and as purple c may fignify their numerous, their beau- 
tiful, their adorning, though fmali, and felf- undervalued, 
holy thoughts, words, and deeds, that fpring from Jefus' 
fulnefs, and our allured hope of feeing him as he- is. 
Their locks d y reprefent the beauty and connexion of 
-their gracious exercifes. Their eyes e, are their fpi- 
ritual knowledge, their faith, by which they difcern 
fupernatural things, and are exceedingly beautified be- 
fore Gcd. Thefe are as doves eyes, comely, chafte, 
and fixed on Jefus their hufband. Their eyes being 
within their locks, implies their modefty; and how un- 
feen their grace is to a carnal world. Their being in 
their head/, denotes the propriety, ufefulnefs, and ex- 
cellency of their knowledge. Their ears g, denote their 
attention to, knowledge of, and obedience to, ChrifVs 
veice, in his word. Their nofe like the tower of Leba- 
non looking towards Damafcus h y is their holy courage ; 
their prudence, and their fpiritual difcerning j whereby 
their converfation is mightily adorned ; themfelves ren- 
dered (lately, and majeftic; their worft, their Syrian- 
like adverfaries are watched and difmayed; and their 
pleafant favour of inward grace manifefled. Thefmell 
of their nofe like apples, imports, that they relifh hea- 
venly and fpiritual things; and that the exertion of their 
inward grace in holy defire, edifying fpeech, or ufeful 

if Snnsri.8, 10. n, \6, 17, and iii. 6. b Song vii. 5. c Song iv. 1. 

aid vii. 5. dSongvj.7. r Song iv. 1, and vii. 4. /Etci. ii. 14. 
g Isa. \v. 3. b Song vii. 4, 8. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. 143 

converfation, is extremely agreeable to Chriit and his 
people. Their cheeks and temples as a piece ofpome- 
granate a, denote their holy blufhing ; and their humble, 
fober, and chaite converfation; which in adiftinguiihed 
manner adorn them. The rows of jewels, on their 
cheeks h, may fignify the laws of Chriit ; which are ex- 
emplified, and his graces exerted, in their holy humble 
practice. Their mouth being a deliverer c, imports, that 
by their prayer and godly initruction, many are refined 
and preferved from (hares and trouble. Their whole- 
fome tongue being a tree of life ; health ; honey and 
milk under their tongue : and their lips feeding many d, 
imports, that, by their fervent fupplications and fpiritual 
conference, many are gracioufly quickened, refreihed, 
healed, and nourifhed; and themfelves kept in vigour 
and health ; and prepared for eternal life. Their lips 
of knowledge and initrudtion, are as a precious jewel, 
or choice filver e ; comely, precious, and ufeful. Their 
words are as deep waters, very refrelhful and unnoify ; 
fitly and feafonably fpokcn, they more adorn their life, 
and prove more beneficial to others, than apples of 
gold in pictures of filver f. Their lips are as a thread 
of fcarlet^: their gracious converfe, their earneft prayer, 
and grateful praife, turn upon Jefus' bloody death ; are 
prefented to God through his bleeding righteoufnefs ; 
and are a fure token of the foundnefj of their inner man. 
Their teeth like an even fhorn, newly warned, and fruit- 
ful flock h, are their divinely cleanfed faith, and fpiritual 
meditation, whereby they chew the bread of life, and 
render themfelve£ truly holy, and fruitful in good 
works ; or their holy, regular, and prudent zeal, where- 
by they are active in railing up monuments of praife, 
and a feed to ferve the Lord Chriit. Their neck i, is 
their faith,whereby they are united to their Redeemer as 
their head ; whereby they receive nourifhment from 
him, and return their love and praifes to him ; and are 
exceedingly beautified before him. The chains of gold 
about it k, are the precious and everlalting promifes it 

a Song i. x io, and iv. 3. r b Song i. 10. e Pro v. xii. 6. 

d Prov. xv, 4, and xii. 18, and x. 21. «? Prow xx. 1 5, and x. io. 

/Prov. xviii. 4, and xxv. u. g Song iv. 3, b Soag iv. i, 

* Song iv. 4, and vii. 4. * Song i, 10, 



r _j4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

e mbraces; the bleffings it receives ; the graces it ac- 
tuates; and the gifts it improves. Th«ir fhoulder and 
back a, are their ftrength and patience; or that where- 
in they are expofed to burdens, fcourges, and fuffering. 
Their hands and fingers dropping with (weet-fmelling 
myrrh upon the handles of the lock b, are their faith, 
whereby they touch, and receive Chrift; and work, by- 
love ; and which, O with what refrefhful, and purify- 
ing virtue, it attempts to open the heart to Jefus. Their 
breads like young roes, towers, or clufters of grapes c,- 
are their love, their affection, and deiire after Chrift, 
and their edifying talk and conduct ; whereby their 
foul is beautified, and endeared tp Chrift ; and whereby 
others are refrefhed, helped, encouraged, and nourifhed 
with the fincere milk, and fpi ritual .wine of his word and 
grace. Betwixt their bre^fts d % is, in their heart, their 
molt endeared embrace. Their heart is at their right 
hand e ; they execute their purpofes with dexterity and 
difpatch. Their rperry heart or good confcience, doth 
good like a medicine f y promotes their foundnefs, and 
itrengtb, natural, chiefly fpiritual, and eternal ; and is 
a continual feaft, affords eminent and unceaflng fatisfac- 
tion, joy and pleasure. Their bowels ^[aremercv, kind- 
nefs, long fuffering, gentlenefs. Their belly like an 
heap of wheat, fet about with lilies h, may denote their 
particular application of Jefus Chrift, and feeding on 
him for fpiritual nourishment ; and their tender concern 
to bring forth, and win others to him ; both which are 
eminently and plentifully connected and adorned with 
folid,favoury, and flourishing promifes and fruits. Their 
navel as a round goblet full of liquor i, may hgnify their 
ever-receiving appetite and deiire after Jefus Chrift; 
whereby nourihSmcnt is conveyed to their tender grace. 
The joints of their taighs Hke curious jewels i, are their 
valuable, their holy principles of faith and love ; whi.ch 
curioufty r 'r • ..>.ti by the Redeemer, enable them with 
decency, pleafure, and exactnefs, to walk in* his way. 
Their feet /, denote their affections and well-ordeied 

a Psal. rxxiv >. b Pong v. 5. c Song- vii. }, 8, and vjii. 10. 

d hud/,' 1 rj e Reel. \. z f Prov. xvii. 2:, and xv. jr. 

g CqI. ill. 1 2 V * Song vii. z, i Song vii. 2 . A bong vii. i. / Song vii, 6 



Of metaphors respecting Saints, i*? 

Oonverfation : their (hoes on their feet, denote the gofpel 
of peace, as it were fupporting, animating, and inter- 
woven with their affe&ions and practice, that with fpi- 
ritual freedom, courage, and fafety, they walk by gof- 
pel-influence, and according to gofpel-rule. Their feet 
only need to be w T afhed a \ the juilification of their per- 
f o a is at firft complete ; but the guilt of daily fins in their 
foul and pradtice, ever needs to be warned away. But 
the waihing of feet, pled in excufe for not readily recei- 
ving Chrifl h; is indifference about gofpel-truth, and 
wearinefs of fpi ritual exereife. The faints being black, 
but comely ; the faireft among women c, imports, that 
though in their own view, though in themfelves, and 
as furrounded with infirmities and trouble, they be un- 
fightly, yet as adorned with Jcfus righteoufnefs and 
grace, and in his kind eftimation, they are exceedingly 
comely and beautiful. Their gloriousgarments wrought 
with embroidery of gold, and of fine linen d t are his 
Tighteoufnefs and grace ; and the holy conver fatioa 
founded thereon. It is their converiaticu-garment they 
wafti and make clean in the blood of the Lamb e ; by 
improving.it as the fole ground of their hope, of their 
pardon, falvation, and acceptance with God. But the 
putting off the coat, which indifpoies them to receive 
Chriityj is indifference about him and his righteoufnefs, 
leaving off tirfl love to him, neglect of commanded duty, 
inclinatiou r to carnal eafe, and fpiritual flcep. Unfaith- 
ful minifters take away the faints vail from them^; 
they expofe their infirmities : deny them the faithful 
preaching of imputed righteoufnefs ; corrupt them from 
the fimpiicity of truth; and draw them to a compliance 
with the fuperftitious devices of men. Their borders of 
gold and ftuds of filver for their robes h> are the preci- 
ous, and permanent bleffings, graces, and gifts, which flow 
from their Mediator's righteoufnefs j and which ihine in 
their holy converfation. Their green bed i, is the come- 
ly, the refreihful, the flourifhing find fruitful church, new 
covenant, fcriptures, ordinances, and peculiar fellow/hip 
c John xiii. ic, [i Song v. 3, c Song i. 5,8. d Psal* 

xiv. 13, 14. *Rev. vii. 14. / Song v. 3. g Son£ v, 7* 

b Song i. 1 J. t Song i. 16. 



I46 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

with ChrlfL Their perfumes «, are the grace given 
them. The church below, the heaveus above, Lre their 
houfe, and refidence 3. Their heart, and the talk, of du- 
ty affigned them, are the vineyard appointed to their 
care c. 

6. The faints are compared to royal persons, kings, 
queens princes, princ^fTes d. Begotten of God, the King 
of all the earth: begotten of Jefus, the King or kings, by 
the travel of his feul; they pofTefs royal blood, are par- 
takers ot the divine nature, endowed with a living prin- 
ciple of grace derived from Cnrift j are royally educate 
at his fchool of facred infpiration, fpirirual influence, and 
fanctiried trouble ; are diipofed to a free, a generous, and 
princely fervice of him ; are married to him 111 the day 
of his power ; and from him receive their honour, their 
^Blnefs, and their title to an enalefs crown. How royal 
their apparel of imputed righteoufnefs! implanted grace! 
and holy converfation ! How royal their nourifhment of 
his flefh anu bloody of all thefulnefs of God ! How ryal 
their palace of his niviiible church, his celeftial manfion! 
How royal their chariot of the new covenant and goipel 
of God ! how royal their reft in his well-guarded b«d ! 
How royal their guard of divine attributes, holy angels, 
and faithful miniiters ! Flow royal their unction o* the 
Holy Ghoft, to confecrate ana furnifh them for their 
^'ork! How royal the crown of divine loving kindnefs, 
and tender mercy, which they wear, and the triple crown 
of glory, :.fe, and righteoufnefs, which they expect! How 
royal their throne, being railed up together, and made to 
Hr together, in heavenly places, in, and with Chrift Jefus! 
How royal :heir counfel, the ADORED THREE fptakmg in 
the fcripture \ How royal their heart ! let upon things 
above, «nd not upon things of the earth! How royal and 
extenfive their influence in managing an:l protc&inj the 
world, ruling the nations with a rod of iron, bearing rule 
over their own lpirit, ana conquering Satan and th«ir 
lufts! O marvellous-, that by the giace of God I am what 



LIU 



7. T.'i^y are a Royal priesthood e. Moil honour- 

a Songiii 16 b Song i. 17 c Sjr.g i. 6, and viii. 12. </.Hev. i. 6 t 
i J 3 al. xlv. </, 1 1, i5. / 1 Fet. ii 9. 



Of metaphors refpefting Samis. 1 j » 

ably, by. the fprinklltirg of Jefus' blood, by the reee'vtd 
fulnefs of his Spirit, are they confecrate, and fet apart 
to the fervice of God: and appointed ts draw near to 
him, and through hia Son, offer frfcrifices of prayer, "t»nd 
praite, of holy fervice, and broken hearts ; and if called* 
of their life, for the honour of his name, 

8. They are called prophets a. Much of God's 
mind they know in comparifen of others ; and faith- 
fully are they to declare it unto others : chiefly a- 
b©ut future things are they concerned; and from infpi- 
red revelation, have they a folid and certain knowledge 
thereof. 

9. They are called a chofen generation, or hin- 
DFTED b. la Chri£, before the world began, JehgvaH 
chofe, and ordained them to eternal life. By his grace 
he renders them choice and excellent. Of his own will, 
by the foul travel of his Son, and the regenerating in- 
fluence of his Spirit, he begets them again ; efpoufes 
them to Jefus, as their hufband and brother ; adopts 
them into his family, and confHtyCes them fellow mem- 
bers with angels and ranfomed men. Thou hail net, my 
foul, firft chofen him, but he hath chofen thee. 

io. They are called a holy nation c. In whole they 
■are a very numerous body, and clofely connected mem- 
bers one of another. Unfailing faith in a Redeemer, 
and wncealing love to one another, being their bonds of 
union, hew firm and kiting the duration of their bedy ! 
Chrift is their King in the midlt of them, and their 
ambafTador at the court of heaven. FcllowOiip with 
him, receiving cut of his fulnefs, and loving one ano- 
ther, are their gainful traffic. Angels, and implanted 
graces, are their armies. Divine attributes and pro- 
mifes, are their ftrong holds and fortifications. Refin- 
ance of fin, Satan, and the world, is their warfare. The 
heavenly oracles are their laws. Attendance on divine 
worm ip and fervice, their tribute. And how holy ki 
their birth ; their llate; their ilaiutes ; vows ; purpofefcj 
and converlation ! 

11. They. are called a peculiar people d. What a 

<j Psal. cv, 15. 1 John ii. 20, 27. b 1 Fet. ii.o, c 1 Pet.ii. 9. 
diPet.ii.Q. 



I % SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

numerous, a flourimmg body, whom God hath made the 
objects of his peculiar love ! whom he hath purchafed 
with the peculiar price of the biood of his Son ! whom 
he fubdues to himfelf, by a peculiar warfare of kind- 
nefs and mercy ! whom he hath enriched with pecu- 
liar bleffiigs ! whofe hearts are inhabited by peculiar 
guefls ; Father, Son, a&4 Holy Ghoft ! whom God 
hath formed for himfelf, to ihew forth his peculiar 
praife ! whom he watch ss over, clay and night, with 
peculiar care 1 and prepares for, ;md allures of pe- 
culiar manfions of joy! O how different their pedigree; 
their foundation; their government; their fpirit; 
their way ; their end, from that of the men of the 
world! 

12. They are a people that dwell alone a. la 
God's predefining purpofe, they have a diftincl: fi- 
tuation and place They alone are fet as a feal on 
Jefus* heart and arm. They alone are within the 
bond of the new covenant, and pale of the church in- 
visible. And it is yours, ye ranfomed to avoid all un- 
neceffary intimacy with carnal men ; to fludy a contra- 
riety of conduct; and to leek the unknown, but hap. 
py attainment of fecret fellowmip with God. Let 
me live alone from the world ; but let the Father 
and the Son come unto me, and manifeft themieivea 
to my fcul. 

13. They are citizens and fellow-citizens with 
the faints h. Solemn is their admiflion into the vifibie 
church. Glorious are their privileges : they are the 
objects of Heaven's diilinguimed care. Great is their 
gol pel-freedom from the law as a covenant, and from the 
yoke of human impefitions ; gainful their traffic with 
CnrffJ: ; great their honour in bearing his image and 
bade? ; comely their order; binding their common laws ; 
ftrici their connection ; and tender their care, one of a- 
nothcr : peculiar the right of their feed to an intereft in 
H aven's diftinguiftied benefits. They arecitizens ofthe 
church-triumphant ; their burgesfhip. their coverfation 
is in he 1 /en. They are born from above j have their 
names written in heaven, in the Lamb's book of life ; 

a Numb, xxiii. 9. b Eph. ii. 19. PhiJ. Hi. 20. 



Of metaphors respecting Sa'mh. \\<$ 

made free by the Son, they are free indeed : their ftock> " 
their treafure, their heart are in heaven : in heavenly 
tilings they trade ; in good and perfect things that come 
from above : they fet their affections on thefe things 
that are above, where Jefus is at the right hand of God. 
Shortly (hall there be their endlefs relidence ; they {hall 
fee the King in his beauty, and dwell in his prefence. 
G an ft thou, my foul, inftruct thy celefdal lineage; fpeak 
the heavenly dialed: or cordial praife ? is the ticket, the 
everlafting covenant laid up in my heart, as all my fal- 
vation, and all my deiire ? 

14. They are reprefented as an HOUSEHOLD and FAMI- 
LY a- How gathered, protected, and ruled of God, they 
dwell together in unity ! How cloiely joined in GhrifJ ; 
'in God, their habitation ! How bound and difpofed to 
promote one another's welfare and joy ! They are the 
houfehoid of God, mr.de collected, owned, provided for, 
employed, and governed by him to his own glory. They 
are the houfehoid of faith. By the grace of faith they 
credit, and contend earneflly for the doctrine of faith 
once delivered to the faints. By thefe things they live ; 
and in them be the life of my. foul. 

15. They are represented as CHILDREN of God h. Of 
him they are adopted ; of him their new nian is Spiritual- 
ly begotten and born. His image is engraven, his name 
called upon, and his Spirit put within them. Dearly 
he loves them. Every thing neceiTary for time and 
eternity, he provides for them. In tYQTy danger he pro- 
tects; in every part of conduct, in every good word and 
work, he directs them; and for their faults, chiefly their 
Jtubborneis, he coi rectsthem. Their prayers he hears ; 
their fuits lie grants* They are heirs of God, and joint 
heirs with Ghrift. It is theirs to be humble, teacheable, 
and obedient before him. Theirs to imitate him in mer- 
cy, in meeknefs, in holinefs, righteoufnefs. Theirs to 
hate what he hates ; love what he loves. Theirs to in- 
cline to abide in his family ; dwell in his prefence ; and 
feek after the moil intimate fellowfhip with him. It is 
theirs to know, efleem, love, delight in him, as their fa- 
ther j and to trike pleafure in his word, his ordinances, 
* Ech. ii. 20. Gal. vi. ro. b Rom. mi, 17, 

N 



l! yO SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and people. Their9 to be grieved and concerned when 
he is difhonoured, or his church oppreffed or polluted. 
Are thefe things, tny foul, found in thee ? Am I certainly 
a child of God by faith in Chrift: Jefus ? 

16. Saints are compared to eabes a. In themfelves 
how exceeding helplefs, weak, andinfignificant ! How ex- 
pofed to danger ! but wonderfully protected, and pre- 
fer ved of God. In what im per feci: degree, they hear 
poflefs all the graces of the perfect, the glorified faints ! 
How native ; how earneft their inclination to pray ; to 
fuck the fincere milk of God's word ! How carefully, by 
Chrift, by his angels, and minifters, are they watched, 
and guided, and guarded ! If not hindered by their 
peeviili temper, how quick their fpi ritual growth, about 
the time of their heavenly birth ! How innocent, meek, 
harmlefs, and humble ! How candid and fincere in their 
faith ; their love ; their Chriftian profeftion, and holy 
obedience ! Except, my foul, thou become as a little 
child, thou fhalt in no wife enter into the kingdom of 
heaven. 

17. They are called sons; heirs; first-born b. 
For a time indeed they continue in a low condition, and 
retain much of the Spirit of bondage ; but folemnly are 
they feparate to the fervice of God, as his peculiar pro- 
perty. BlefTed are they with all the bell bleffings of his 
righteoufnefs, his grace, and falvation. Princely and 
exalted is their dominion over the reft of the world. A 
fubftantial blefling and honour are they to them. Sure 
and fweet is their title to the everlafting inheritance. 
Rejoice, my foul, I am an heir of God, and joint-heir 
with Chrift : nor can fins, nor devils, nor wicked men, 
difinherit me. God is my Father, my tutor, my all. 
His covenant is my charter : thrice furer than heaven 
or earth. 

18. They are called daughters ; virgins; sisters 
of Chrift c. How weak in themfelves ! How expdfed to 
danger and infirmity ! How engaging their fpi ritual 
comeiinefs ! How glorious their apparel of imputed 
rig'iKoufnefs, implanted grace, and holy converfation ! 

Matth >i. 25. I Pet. li. I. b Gal. iv. 4,— -6« Heb. xii. 23. 

c Song i, 3, 5, and lii. 1 I, and v I. Fsal. cxlix. },i 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. %$t 

How fingle their love to Jefus ! How chaite their adhe- 
rence to him ! How found and uncorrupt in the faith I 
How fincere in their worftiip ! How pure in their heart 
and life ! How candid their care to avoid temptations to, 
and appearance of evil ! How difpofed to blufh at the bell 
of their fervice ! Inferior, indeed, in every refpe£l, they 
are to Chrift ; but begotten of the fame Father, children. 
in the fame family, they partake of the fame human na- 
ture with him ; have his image on them ; are nearlv 
connected with, dearly beloved, and tenderly cared, and 
provided for, by him. They are daughters of Jerufa- 
lem, children of Zion. In the true church, they are 
born ; and by means of her ordinances and miniiters, is 
their fpiritual bivth accomplilhed. On her fpiritual pro- 
vifion ofgofpel truths, and new-covenant bleffings, they 
arenouriflied. With the garments of falvation divinely 
granted to her, are they clothed. In her they abide ; 
and are governed, directed, protected, and perfect d. If 
I am fuch, why mould I wear the attire of an harlo ? 
why whorifhly turn afide by the flocks of thy compa- 
nions ? When, O my Brother, fhall I find thee without", 
on thy great white throne, that I may kifs thee, may em- 
brace thee, and not be amamed ? When {hail I come to 
the Jerufalem above, which is the mother of us all ? 
When mall we, the ranfomed of the Lord, return and come: 
to Zion, with fongs, and everlafting joy on our heads 
and forrow and fighing flee away ? 

19. They are children of promise «. From eter- 
nity their birth, their life, their endleis felicity, was nro- 
mifed to our adored Redeemer. Not by natural influence 
but by the gofpei-promife, and fulnefs thereof, are rhey 
fpiritually begotten, born, fuckled, nourimed, directed 
fupported, carried, healed, revived, reltored, comforted 
and fan&ified. And highly they efteem and delioht hi 
the promifes. Let tfoefe thy words be found by mf ; let 
me eat them ; and let them be to me the joy and rejoicing; 
of my heart. Never let me forget thy iiatutes, for by 
them thou haft quickened me. 

20 They are called Chrift's SEED, the travail- of his 
foul b. By his infinite labour and fuffering, and from his 
a Gal. iv. 28. 6 IsaJiii, u. 

N 2 



i;a SACREP TROPOLOGY, 

fulnefs of virtue and grace, are they brought forth unto 
God. His honour they reprefent ; his name they conti- 
nue ; and to all generations, are the joy and rejoicing of 
his heart. On the very fubftance of his pelribn, hisflefti 
nnd blood, that he gives for the life of the world, he feeds 
and nourishes their foul. Lord Jefus, ami fo dear to 
thee ? am I the offspring of thy love; thy blood ; thy 
grace? Detefted be my heart, if it love father, or mother, 
more than the?. 

XI. Saints are called brethren ».• In the fame pur- 
pole of God are all of them chofen. All of them have 
God for their Father ; the church for their mother ; 
Ghriftfor their elder brother. Their grate, their pro- 
feffion, their practice, is iimilar. Their lore is mutual. 
They are Chrift's brethren : they have one Father with 
him. They are ineffably near to him, and precious in 
his fight. Wherein their finite nature admits, they (hare 
With him in his grace, his office, and work. How quick- 
ly, my Lord, mall I hear thee fay,Tn as much as je did 
it to the leaft of thefe my brethren, you did it unto tne. 

22. They are Chriil's eride and spouse h. In in- 
finite kindnefs he choofes them for himfelf. Heartily 
and deliberately they accept of him, as their head and 
hufband. All their finful debt was charged upon him ; 
and he anfwered for it. Highly he loves ; faithfully he 
dwells in ; tenderly he fympatnixts with; fufficiehtljr 
he provides for: fully he protects, them. Deep it his 
intereftand concern in their perfons, graces, temptations, 
and troubles. Glorious is their interefl hi his peifon, 
his righteoufntfs, honour, and fulnefs. Highly they e- 
fteem ; tenderly they love ; ard&itfy they ddiie; hum- 
bly they frrve him ; and hardlydb they bear his frowns. 
Mutual is their joy and rejoicing over one another. How 
mindful both of their marriage-contn.cL, the covenant of 
peace ! By diitingiuihed fellowship with him, they be- 
come fruitful in the works of righteoufnefs. Openly, 
b< ore angels and men, (hall their nuptials at the end be 
celebrate. Theii (hall they enter irto the palace of the 
King, and fhall abide. BleiVed are they, who are called 
to his eternal marriage fuoper of the Lamb ; and whom 
a John xx. 17. h Rev. xix. 7. Song v. 1. 



Of metaphor* respecting Saints. 15 j 

the Lamb himfelf maketh ready. Bleflfed for ever be 
the Lord, that neither meannefs, nor guilt, nor vilenefs, 
nor infamy, nor devils, nor death, could flop, or can 
break my marriage to him ! He betrothed me to him- 
felf for ever; yea, betrothed me to him, in righteoufnefs 
and in judgment, in loving kindnefs and in mercies. Ye 
finful,ye unprofitable, ye infamous men, whofoeverwill, 
let bim come to the marriage. 

23. They are compared to returning prodigals a. 
Receiving from God many noble endowments, time, 
talents, opportunities, how theyrufh into apoftacy from 
him I and wafte thefe gifts in foul-ruining fellowfhip 
with Satan and his agents ! When by trouble, by fharr* 
conviction, they are forced to confider their cafe; nothing 
fpiritually good they have, or can do. No more plea- 
fure in fin, in creatures, can they find. Now the moft 
urgent neceffity, accompanied with an attractive perfua- 
fion of God's all-fafficiency and readinefs to help-, de- 
I termines them to attempt an humble return to him as 
their Saviour and Mailer,, and a candid eonfef&on of their 
fin, and earned fupplication for mercy. How the all- 
gracious Father, his bowels of companion, yearn to- 
wards them! How, in their diftant, their lothfome, their 
dreadful condition, in mercy he runs to meet them I 
With what arms of mercy he embraces ! with what 
kifles of forgiving love he melts their heart, and deter- 
mines it to a truly gofpel- repentance and confeffion of 
fin I By the miniftry of the word and Spirit, how gra- 
cioufly he decks them with the bell robe of imputed 
righteoufnefs ; adorns them with the gold ring of his 
everlafting favour, Spirit and grace ; feafls and nou- 
rifhes their foul with the fweet, the tender, the ail-fat- 
tening flefh and blood of his facrificed Son ! What un- 
ending joy now commences among divine perfons and 
holy angels ; that fallen men, utterly loft as to fafety, 
happinefs, or ufefulnefs, are recovered ! thofe dead 
in trefpaflTes and fins are quickened, and efpoufeoV to 
Chrifti 

24 Peevifh faints much refemble the prodigals elder. 
brother b. Divinely prefer ved from the more fcanda~ 
Luke xv. 10,-24. b Luke xv. 25,— >*,. 

N 3 



*54 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

lous crimes, and ferving God from their youth, in a ten- 
der and unblameable praclice; how fin fully they iome- 
times fret at Jehovah's fovereign conduct, in giving 
newly converted profligates furprifing meafures or 
grace, furpriiingly familiar intimacy with himfelf; 
while rarely he bellows on themfelves, fuch fenfibie ex- 
perience of bis love, as exhilarates their heart ; and 
determines them with pleafure to talk of his goodnefs ! 
Ah, ye froward, when will ye grow wife ? Should 
your eye he evil, btcaufe God is good r" Do } r ou well 
to be angry, that where fin abounded, grace did much 
more abound ? 

25. The faints are compared to judges a. Endow- 
ed with wifdom, power, and authority, they fet them- 
felves for the defence of the heavenly ftatutes. By 
fel (-examination they judge themfelves, thst they be not 
condemned with the world. By their found principles, 
and holy lives, they condemn the world that lie th in 
wickednefs. At lafl they mail lit as affeflbrs with Chriit in 
the final judgment of evil angeis and wicked men. Shall 
this, Lord, be my honour, who have fo oft yielded 
to Satan, and defiled myfelf with his wicked agents 
on earth ! 

26. They are called witnesses b. Having tailed that 
the Lord is gracious ; having heard his voice, feen his 
glory, and his mighty deeds ; they bear witnefs, that 
lie is God all-fuiricient, poiTeffed of every perfection, 
and fuited to every cafe. Having feen the Son, be- 
lieved on him, and handled the word of life, they 
teftify, that he is the divinely fen t, the able, the ever- 
ready and compamonate Saviour of the world. Ha- 
ving (een an end of all perfection, and felt the un- 
foiidity and evil of the world, they declare, that va- 
nity of vanities, all that cometh is vanity and vexa- 
tion of fpirit. Having felt their htart, and feen their 
life, they atteft the former to be deceitful above all 
things, and defperately wicked; and the latter, in its beft 
ellate, but filthy rags. Having felt the virtue of Jems' 
word, they teftify, that his law is the truth; his gof- 
pelthe power of Gcd unto faivation; his commandment 

« 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3. b ha. xliii. jo. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints, i r$ 

fpiritual, holy, juft, and good. Faithfully they hear 
witnefs, even againft themfelves. Boldly they oft finim 
their teftimony, refill unto blood, driving againft fin. 
Abide, my foul, by the truth, and the truth (hall make 
thee free. 

27. They are compared to Rica MEN and cobles <?, 
How honourably begotten* of the everlailing Father, pof- 
feffor of heaven and earth! Ghriit, and all things in him, 
are their wealth, their treafure, How glorious their ap- 
parel of his righteoufnefs and grace ! How ornamented 
with his Spirit, his love ! How liberally educate at his 
fchool, and taught to profit ! How pompous their riding 
in his new-covenant chariot, on his white horfes ; his 
evangelic promifes; and in company with him their 
King! They indeed love to work righteoufnefs ; but 
live not by their labours, but on God as their inheri- 
tance, their portion ; on the delicate provifion of Jefus' 
flelh and blood. How goodly their dwelling! the Mod 
High is their habitation. How numerous their atten- 
dants; angels and men ! How readily every thing works 
for their good! What burdens of labour, difficulty, and 
trouble, they can fuftain, without being rendered 
wretched or miferable ! How well they can forbear 
their full portion, till the end of time! How exalted 
their fellowship with divine perfons ; with angels and 
faints ! How the view of their wealth emboldens them 
to approach the throne of grace ; the communion of 
faints ; and the manfions of blifs ! and roughly to refill 
temptations from fin, Satan, and the world ! Whatam 
I, or what is my father's houfe, that God has brought me 
hitherto; railed me out of the dunghill, and made me fit 
with princes ! 

28. They are called poor, or poor in spirit b. Not 
only are they generally poor in worldly circumftances : 
and all* in themfelves deftitute and defpicable before 
God ; but how unworthy, .wretched and polluted, in 
their own eyes ! What fludents of contentment with a 
low condition in the world ! With what humliity, they 
look on all their righteoufnefs as lofs and dung;, reckon 
themfelves lefs than the lealt of God's mercies; lefs than 

• Rev. Hi. iS, Psal,xl¥. 16. b Psal. lxviii. jo. Matth. v. 3. 



I56 SACRE» TROPOLOGY. 

the ieaft of all faints ; and the chief of finners I With 
what cheerful pleafure, they live folely on the free, the 
fovereign, grace of God in Chrift; and reckon it their 
great honour and happinefs, to be the eternal dyvors 
thereof ! Let greedy fwords fight on for wealth ; I can- 
be poor : but, Lord, I beg to fit and fup, and fmile 
with thee. 

^29. They are compared to four and twenty ELDERS, 
crowned and furrounding the throne of God a ; becaufe 
of their gravity, their wifdom, their power, and autho* 
rity. They are a people near unto God, and employed 
in the moft humble and unceafing adoration of him. 
And is not their faith founded on the doctrine of the pro- 
phets and twelve apoftles of the Lamb? Thrice blefled 
are the poor in fpirit ; for theirs is the crown of glory, 
the kingdom of heaven ! 

30. They are compared to harpers harping with 
their harps, and finging a new fong that none but them- 
felves can learn b. How ikilfully ; how fweetly they 
fing of mercy and judgment ! Knowing that all things- 
flow from redeeming love, and work for their eternal 
advantage ; in every thing they give thanks. How 
cordially : how pleafantly they praiie their loving, their 
eternal fair ; their endlefs all ! in fine, their God I 
Am I redeemed; redeemed to him ; redeemed with 
blood divine ? O may I Iofe my ufeiefs tongue, when it 
forgets to praife ! 

31, They are compared to merchants c. Chrift the 
pearl of great price, the fine gold, the treafure hid in the 
field of revelation, they feek out, buy, deliberately ac- 
cept ©f, as their own ; the gift of God to thein. The 
truth they buy ; deliberately credit ; and, at the ha- 
zard of every thing dear in the world, retain. The 
time they redeem, they carefully improve, becaufe the 
days are evil. With wifdom, with care, with pleafure, 
with defire, and hope of endlefs advantage, they deal in 
Spiritual and heavenly things, With knowledge and de- 
liberation, they commiflion them by prayer;, bring thera 
home by faith ; and receive them with much affection, 

« Rev. iv, 4, and v. 8, to 10. b Rev. xiv. 2, « Matjh, xiii. 46^ 
Rev, uj, 18, 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. 157 

and joy of the Holy Ghoit. Cheerfully they give their 
bill, their determined purpeft, in his ftrength, to ren- 
der unto God thanks for all his mercies. Grace, glory, 
God himfelf, in idl his fulnefs, is the fubjeci of their 
traffic. Freely, without money snd without price, is the 
heaven! y-fixed tvteof every commodity. Glii ,1; is their 
factor in the far, the heavenly, country. Players and 
fupplications, with itrong cries and tears, are their let- 
ters of trade. Exceeding great and precious promifes 
•are their invoice ; their bill of lading. Divine ordi- 
nances 2re the port, the exchange, the market, where 
they carefully attend. Faith in the promife is the fhip, 
the porter, which brings home their gooes to their foul. 
A confeience purged in Jems' blood is their accomptant. 
Their underftanding and m mory are their journal and 
ledger^ Self-examination is their inventory of their 
flock, their Hating of accounts-. Improving of grace 
received in holy and beneficent exercifes, is their i'ale. 
Carefully ought they to keep diftincl records of the true 
ft ate and frame of their foul, and 01 God's mercies to 
them, and their fins againft him. Speedily ought they 
to pay their vows, their bills of gratitude. As their 
trade profpers or languifheth, are they to rejoice, or 
mourn. Learn, my foul, this gainful bulinefs; this 
trade, making many, making all its ufers rich j this 
trade, that can never be hurt by the number of fharers; 
this trade, for which difappointments, llraits, poverty, 
and guilt, may be improved, as a qualification. 

32. They are compared to soldiers a. . In the day 
of power, emitted under Jefus' banner ; brought into 
the bond of his covenant : clothed with the livery of his 
imputed righteouihefs, his implanted grace, and of an 
holy converfation ; armed with the whole armour of 
God, with the girdle of truth, the b re a ft plate of righte- 
oufnefs, the lhoes of fettled goipel- principles, the Ihield 
of faith, the helmet of the hope of falvation, the in- 
fpired fword of the Spirit, and the artillery of all pray- 
er ; which they are to keep undamaged, and ready on 
every occalion. It is theirs to difUnguilb themfelves 
from others , to moderate their affe&ions and care about 



I $8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

worldly things ; to ceafe from tneir former finful and 
legal labours ; and, with fiii^lenefs of heart, with pru- 
dence, patience, fubmifiion, courage, care, and activity, 
to follow the captain of their falvation, in their refpec- 
tive ftations ; to know his word; without hefitation o- 
bey his command ; endure hardship ; efpy the ftrata- 
gems, watch the motions of fpiritual enemies ; improve 
every advantage againft them ; mew no pity to any of 
them; but, by means of Jefus' death, believed with ap- 
plication, refill Satan; crucify, and kill the body of fin, 
with her affections and lufts. Ye foldiers of the Lamb, 
be ftrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might ; 
encourage yourfeives in your leader ; in the certainty 
of your victory; and the reward of your warfare. 
Never defer! your divine, your gracious commander ; 
nor his (landard of truth. Never yield to a fpiritual 
foe ; refift the devil, and he will fiee from you ; refill 
unto blood, ftriving againft fin ; count not your life 
dear unto you. that you may finifh your courfe with 
joy ; fi^ht the good fight of faith ; lay hold on eternal 
life. Though your enemies be many, be flrong, and 
lively, there are more with you, than with them: 
ftronger is he that is* in you, thanhe that is in the world. 
Be then the day of war, the feafon of my foul. 

33. They are compared to watchmen a. In their 
refpective towers and flations they wait upon, and 
watch for God, more than they that watch for the 
morning. Carefully they obferve the approach of fpi- 
ritual danger, and cry to the Lord for relief. It is 
yours, )*e ranfomed, to watch unto prayer, and other 
duties; tp wait, to prepare for, and lay hold on ev^ry 
opportunity thereof; to watch in duty, keep your 
heart, in her difpofition and aims, becaufe out of it are 
the ilTaes of life ; and to watch for the anfwer of prayer, 
and fruit of good works. It is yours to watch againft 
the roaring lion, and his Terpentine agents; to watch 
with Jefus as your Lord, your defence, pattern, com- 
panion, and guide : to watch for him, coming in the 
Spirit, and in the clouds; for bleffed are they, whom at 
his coming, he fhall find watching. Liften^ my foul, 
a Psal. cxxx. 5,6. Prov. iv. 2$. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints* 15.9 

the Mailer ccmeth ; the Judge ftandeth at the door; 

gird up thy loins : watch and be lober : watch with 

him thy one hour of life : watch and pray, that thou 

enter not into temptation. 

34. They are compared to wrestlers a. Anointed 
with the Holy Ghoft, filled in the view of angels and 
men; they wreftle with profane perfons, teftitying a- 
g&init, andoppoiing their wickednefs, patiently enduring 
their reproach and perfecuticn. They wreitle with 
perfons heretical and erroneous ; watching againft their 
fnares, refuting their error, ana endeavouring tocenfure 
them on its account. They wreftle with evil angels, 
and finful lufts; hating, refilling, crying for deliverance 
frcm them, and ftudying to have every inward corrup- 
tion utterly deftrcyed. In humble and earneil fuppli- 
catiori, they wreitle with God ; taking hold of his 
itrength, pleading his promife, and relying on the bked 
and interccllion of his Son, they i nil ft for his favours, 
and refute to let him go, till he. blefs them. Be thou. 
my foul, ftrong in the grace that is in Chriit Jefus, 
Let not difcouragement drive thee from his mercy-feat* 
Fill thy mouth with arguments, even with thy need, 
thy guilt, thy perverfenefs , ©rder thy caufe before him. 

3$. They are compared to Walkers b Divinely 
brought into Jefus the way of hclinefs, wherein the 
way-faring man fhall not err^ in the light, in the com-, 
pany, under the awe, and with a regard to the glory of 
God ; in the continued application of a Redeemer's 
blood ; in the ftrength of the grace daily received out 
of his fulnefs ; under the conflraining pc.ver of his 
love ; they, with great pleafure and healthfulnefs, fol- 
low his pattern, obey his law, make progrefs in gofpel- 
holinefs, diftance from fin, Satan* and an evil world,meet- 
nefs for, and nearnefs to the celeftial glory. Brought 
at laft into the manfions of happinefs, with unceanng 
pleafure, peace, purity, honour, and triumph, they for 
ever attend the Lamb of God, in all his glorious difco- 
veries of himfelf. My foul, having received the Lord 
Jefus, walk in him 9 walk up and cown in his aame 2 
« Eph. vi. 13, b Zech. x, 12, 



l£o SACRED TROfOLOGY. 

walk humbly with thy God; at laft thou (halt walkwith 
him in white; for in him thou art worthy. 

36. They are comparer! to runners of a race a- En- 
compaffed with fogreat-; cloud, a multitude of witnefTesj 
animate with the example of Chrift and his now glorified 
followers ; excited with the view of God, angels, and 
men ; they, in the mo?: exa£t, thoughtful, laborious, and 
diligent manner, begin, profecute, and finifli their courfe 
of holy excrcife. To fucceed, my .foul, begin it, as 
early as pcilihle. Put en the light, the pliant robes of 
Jefus' righteoufnefs and grace. Be thou wholly, chiefly 
thy joints thy principles of action, anointed with the 
Holy Ghoft. Lay allde every weight of guilt, anxious 
care, and finful affeclion. Beware of forfeiting and 
drunkennefs ; ba not high minded, but fear. Ever fix 
thine eye on Jefus as thy way, thy pattern ; on his law 
as thy rule ; on his Spirit as thy guide ; on death as thy 
goal ; on endleis felicity as thy prize. Stumble at no 
temptation, affliction, reproach, persecution, defertion, or 
inward weaknefs; but with integrity, vigour, and un- 
we> r ied diligence, proceed in thy courfe ; daily apply a 
Saviour's blood ; grow in grace; abound in the work of 
the L.-rd. 

37, They -ire compared to pilgrims or travellers 
b. Finding no reft for their foul on earth ; at nrft they 
carefully confider the coft, the difficultj-, the danger, of 
their journey to heaven; wifely they put on the light, 
the hew,' the defenfive, and nnwafting garments of fal- 
vation ; and take to them the whole armour of God. for 
their fafety againft foes. Wifely they receive Jefus and 
his fulnefc, as their gold, their treafure, to bear their 
expence. They receive his Father for their companion; 
his Spirit to be their guide ; his word to be their direc- 
tor and compafs ; his love, his power, and promife, for 
their fupporting itafF. Carefully they sfk for the good 
old way of holinefs ; and continue walking therein: 
fweetly they drink out of its wells of falvation; and re- 
frefli ihemfelves, but not tarry, in the inns of ordinances 
built thereupon. How diversified their condition ! Now, 
th&ir duty is I' fant and eafy ; anon, it is rugged and 

Hcb. xii. 1. b 1 Pet. ii. 10. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints, 161 

difficult. Now, they enjoy fine ,wtather of peace and 
profperity ; clear views of Jefus' countenance, wide pro= 
f peels of his lovelinefs and love; clear difcoveries of the 
vanity of this world, of the happinefs of their prefent, 
and of the glory of their future ftate: anon, they are 
diftre.ffed with cold winters of trouble, florms of temp- 
tation, dark nights of defertion and diforder, that they 
know not what to do, or whither to go. How oft fear- 
fully pinched for provifion ! How oft che wells of pro- 
miies feem dry, and inns of ordinances are found empty! 
How oft expofed to the gazing, ridicule, and malice of 
carnal men! How oft by Sata*. i their lulls haraflfed 
and robbed of their grace, or its evidence i How oft 
tempted to turn back! But, through every tribulation, 
they pufh forward to the city, the celeftial kingdom, o£ 
Gcd; and with fo much more cheerfuluefs, if they enjoy 
the company of eminem faints. May I go from ftrength 
to ftrength, till I appear before God in Zion. 

38. They are called strangers and sojourners with 
God on earth a. How ft range to carnal men, is their 
Hate of union and communion with Chrift ! How ftrange 
their birth from above ! their having God their Father! 
Chrifl their hufband ! glorified faints their principal peo- 
ple ! In what ftrange ; what celeftial country, are their 
portion, their inheritance, their hopes, their afteclions, 
their thoughts, their defires ! With what ftrange robe 
of divine righteoumeis, implanted grace, and gofpel- 
holinefs are they decked ! What ftrange armour of God 
they have put on ! Flow ftrangely they fpeak the fpi- 
ritual language of prayer and ptaife ! pour out their 
hearts, behave as becometh the high calling of God ! 
walk with Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, whom the world 
fee and know not! feed on the ftrange provifion of Jefus* 
perfon, righteoufnefs, and benefits ! How employed in 
the unknown labour of numbering their days j of con- 
iidering their laft end; of ploughing up the fallow ground 
of their heart ; of fowing to themfelves in m;htecufnefs; 
of buying without money and without price ; of deny- 
ing and loathing themfelves ; of warring with princ : pa- 
iities, powers, and fpiritual wickednefs ; of renouncing 

«-Psa1. xxx ix. 12, 
O 



I 62 SAC RED TROPOLOGY. 

the profit, pieafure, and honour of this world ; of ex- 
tracting good from evil, and fweet out of bitter ; of lov- 
ing their mankind enemies, and rendering them bleiTing 
for ending ! How unfatisfactory iheir outward enjoy- 
ments ! What a gazing flock to the men of the world! 
And how defpifed, reproached, and harafTeri by them! 
Be content, my foul, it is enough that God hath (Worn, 
I will never leave th.ee, nor forfakc thee. In all my 
frrnits, he is z prefent aid. In all my affliction he is 
afflicted, fc he is my Saviour. 

39. They are called builders a. According to the 
rule and line of God's infpired word, they, by faith, lay 
tbemfclves rmd their whole falvation upon Chrift, the 
foundation laid in Zion ; and in his ftrengtb. build up 
themfelves, in their molt holy faith and goipel-coiiver- 
fation ; adding one degree cf grace, one good word and 
work to another : and build up the church, by elucidat- 
ing divine truths •, winning fouls to Chriil ; l'prcading 
abroad the favour of his name ; and lifting up his praifc. 
So build, my fom, and thou mail be able to finifli. 

4r. They are compared to threshers, or thrashing- 
INSTRUMENTS b. In Jefus' ftrength, and by repeated acts 
of faith and hope, of repentance and love, of humility 
and felf-denial, they by little and little, conquer their 
fpiritual enemies, and bring down the mountains of 
wicked men, evil angels, finful corruptions, manifold 
dangers, and difficulties, which ftand in their way of 
fervrag the Lord, or enjoying fellow fbip with him. A- 
itoniihing ! (ball worm I beat them fmall as duft ! Let 
me then rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the urny One 
oflfrael. 

41. They are corap.rcdto stewards c. To their care 
hath God committed the vineyard of their own he rt 
and Ration in the world and church. A variety of gifis, 
graces, ordinances, and opportunities has he bellowed 
upon them to be improves according to the rule of his 
worn. Solemnly haLh he charged them to uc faithful, 
and (lady the welfare of others ; quickly will he call t lexn 
to account for their conducl ; and lighceoufly will he re- 

aJudeic 6 Isa. xli. 15, 16. *Lukexvi.$, — iz» 



CJ met ciphers respecting Saints. i6j 

ward them according to their work. How quickly, 
my foul, fhall he caufe me to give an account of my 
ftewardmip ; for I muft be no longer ftewafd ! 

42. They are compared to servants a. How folemnly 
are they engaged ! How deeply obliged to ferve the Lord 
Ghnftj in whatfeever lie {hall command them! With what 
lowliaefs of mind, what fai.thfulnefs, gratitude, and e~ 
van^elical refpeel to the recompence of reward, are they 
to do the will of God in all things ! It is yours, ye re- 
deemed, to remember that all your gifts, your graces, 
are from God, and to be ufed to his glory; and to refojve 
upon giving him an account thereof. Bore mine ear, 
O Jehovah, to thy door-poit, that 1 may ierve thee for 
ever. In, and after, keeping thy commandments, there 
is an exceeding great reward* 

43. They are called inhabitants OF THE gardens h. 
Affaciate into particular congregations and worihipping 
aiTemblies, they make an open, a continued, a itedfaft 
profeflion of Jefus' truth ; and with conftancy, delight, 
and diligence, they attsnd upon, and improve his ordi- 
nances ; and are chiefly Uified in keeping and cultivating 
their heart and converfation. 

44. They are compared to farmers of vineyards c* 
To them hath God, in a fuhordinate refpect, commuted 
the vineyard of their own heart and of his church j and 
to their advantage the fruitfulnefs thereof greatly re- 
dounds. It is therefore theirs, carefully to keep their 
vineyard, to watch over themfelves and their work ; to 
labourearneuly in denying ungodlinefs and worldly lufts; 
and in living foberly, righteoufly, and godly in this pre- 
fent world. Theirs to ftudy regularity and diftin&nefs 
in their religious courfe. Theirs to improve every event, 
every faculty, and gift ; to prune off every luxuriance, 
mortify every luft, avoid every doubtful and dangerous 
practice ; and by a believing dependence on the tree of 
life, in the midft of the paradife of God, to prop every 
good word and work. It is theirs to promote the purity, 
peace, and profperity of the church, and to render unto 
Chrift, the principal, the fupreme glory of all they are, 
and do. 

a Rev. vii.3. b Song vii'u 13. c Song viii, iu 

o % 



I&4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

45. Saints are compared to slavish keepers of other 
mens vineyards to the neglect of their own r How oft, 
by their mother's ci;ildren, their indwelling corruptions, 
and hypocritical profeffors, are they forced and decoyed 
into a bafe fubrnifSon, to human Impositions in the fer- 
vice of God; to finful and carnal couifes ; to too eager 
interfering with worldly affairs, or with fpiritual things 
in a felfifh and carnal manner ! How eft is their watch- 
fulnefs over their heart, their refilling and mortifying of 
their lolls, their due chenming and exercifing of their 
grace, hereby finfujUy and fliamefuily prevented ! How- 
oft doch their being in public office in church or ftate, 
eccafion much finful neglect of pcrfonal piety ! 

46. They are reprefented as CARRIED ones b* Lame 
in themfelves, Jefus apprehends them, takes them up, 
and in the chariot of his covenant and church, on the 
white horfe of his gofpel-promife, in the hand of his pro- 
vidence, on the moulder of his power, in his bofom of 
intimate fellowship, in his heart of endeared affection 
and care, notwithstanding of manifold filthinefs, provo- 
cations, and infirmities, bears them up under every bur- 
den ; bears them outagainft every oppofition; bears them 
on in the courfe of their duty ; bears them in to the 
throne of grace ; and home to their eternal reft. 

47. They are reprefented as hidden ones c. How un- 
known to the world, and even to themfelves, is their ex- 
cellency; their gracious ftate ; their fpiritual attain- 
ments ; and efpecially their future glory! How hidden ; 
how fecret favours, are their election, their regeneration, 
their pardon, acceptance, adoption, and inward comfort! 
How fecretly ; how myftcrioufly and fafely are their per- 
fons, their flate, their life, their portion, and treafure 
laid up, in the word, the heart, the hand, the life, the 
honour of Chrifl! 

48. They are reprefented as sealed ones d. By elect- 
ing love, by effectual calling, by their juftification, and 
by the daily influence of his Spirit, they are highly ho- 
nuured of God, appropriate and confirmed to his ufe; 
and dittinguimed from the world. Safely hid and pre- 
ferved in Chiift Jefus, how gracioufly are they enabled 

a Song i. 5. b Isa. xlvi. 3, 4. c Psal. Ixx.xiii. 3. d Rev.vii. 3* 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. i6$ 

to make an open confeflion of his truth ! How oft pro- 
tected from common calamities! How marvelloufly fa\ ed 
amid eminent trouble ! 

49. They are called upright ones a. How their heart, 
their affection, tower towards God, and heavenly things! 
With what candour they ftudy to be what they feem ! 
and to live with allowed guile! to be Univerfally fincere 
in their behaviour towards God and men! 

50. They are called wise men h. Inftructed of Chrift, 
they make the bed choice, choofe for their portion the 
whole fulnefs of God ; purfue the beft courfe, follow af- 
ter the prize of the high calling of God in Chrift Jefus. 
They walk in Chrift, the beft way; and with God, the 
mofl excellent Companion. They efpoufe Chrift the beft: 
hulband ; and live on his fiefti and blood, the moil whole- 
fome and nourifhing provifion. Acquaint with the my- 
fteries of God's word and providence, taught of God to 
profit, made wife unto falvation, and learned in every 
ftate therewith to be content, they intend the molt noble 
end of his glory, and their own happinefs ; and profe- 
cate it in the belt manner, and by the moft proper means. 
Haft thou, my foul, fo learned Chrift ? 

51. They are compared to strong men e. Strength- 
ened in and by the Lord Jefus, they can bear heavy bur- 
dens without repining ; can walk in God's way without 
wearying; run in the path of his commandments with- 
out fainting: can attack and conquer the ftrongeft cor- 
ruptions; reftft the devil; overcome the world ; and bear 
rule over their own fpiritr Rejoice, my foul, I can do 
all things through Chrift ftrengthening me. 

52. They are reprefented as carnal men d. Ah, 
what power hath their remaining carnal corruptioftovi r 
them! How much they fulfil their finful luft ! How com- 
palled with fleftily infirmities! Howfadlysre their hearts 
attached to worldly things ! What envy, fh ife, and con- 
tention, too oft abound wlfh-.tlfcem ! Truly the law is 
fpiritual ; but I am carnal, fold under fin. 

53. They are reprefented as foolish e* Alas !" how 
oft they miilake their way ; negledt their duty; acl cck- 

a Song i. 4. b PssL xciv. 8, 12. <• Eph. vi. ie, 

a Rem. vji, 14. e Luke jtxiv, 25, 

03 



I 66 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

trary to God's honour, and their own interefl ; grieve 
their friends, and pleafe their enemies ! How oft they 
ad without thought ; complain of, or praife what they 
know not ! How oft have I been brayed in the mortar 
of adverfity j yet has not my foolifhnefs departed from 
me ! 

54. They are reprefented as captives, fold under 
fin a. How oft do Satan, and their lulls, prevail over 
them ; drag them from God and their duty, and into 
the flavifh fervice of fin ! How they buffet them for 
the leaft refafal! How they abufe and maltreat their 
foul ! Blefled be the Lord, who bringeth back his cap- 
tives, even when, with flupidity and unconcern, they 
are like men that dream. Quickly, O rny foul, fhall 
the prey be taken from the mighty, and the lawful cap- 
tive be delivered. 

$$. They are reprefented as prisoners b. How oft 
are they fhut up and confined in the prifon of trouble: of 
prevailing corruption; of fearful temptation; of dark de- 
fertion! How are their fhameful crimes evidenced; and 
their fouls connected with the b»feft companions! How 
their light, their liberty, their honour, their happy 
fellowfhip, their fpiritual warmth, and comfort, ta- 
ken from them ! Is it not thine, O Jefus, to bid us 
go forth and fhew ourfelves ? Thine with the key of 
thy promife, with the power of thy grace, to open our 
prifon-doors, and bring us forth, that we may glorify 
thy name ? 

56. They are compared to killed and crucified 
men c. O the killing providences ! the deflruclive rage 
of inward corruption ! the violent temptations of Satan! 
the perfecutions of the world they are tryfted with! 
They are crucified with Chrifl ; in his death he repre- 
fented them ; and by the application of his atonement 
to their confcience, is their old man, their inward cor- 
ruption, gradually, and painfully mortified. They are 
crucified to the world, and it to them. Gradually, and 
not without pain and fhame, are they weaned from the 
world, and as dead malefactors are they defpifed by the 
men of it. 
a Rem, vii, 23, 24, b Psal cxlii. 6. c Rom, viii. 17, 36. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. 167 

§>]. They are compared to dying and DEAD men a. 
Not only are they worthlefs in themfelves, mortal in 
their bodies, and plagued with an inward body of death; 
but by the application of Jefus' righteoufnefs and grace, 
their relations to the broken law, as an hufband and go- 
vernor; to Satan, as a prince and father ; to fin, as a 
pleafure and trade; and to the world, as a portion and 
treafure ; are deftroyed, and finally cut off. Hence they 
ceafe from finful works ; and from going about to 
eftablifh their own righteoufnefs : and are buried to- 
gether with Chrift ; {hare the fweet repofe that flows 
from his death; in confequence whereof they rife to 
newnefs of life, 

58. They are reprefented as living men b. O the my- 
flerious inward motions of their heart ! O their agreeable 
breathing and defiring after Chrift, and living by faith on 
him ! O the fweet light, liberty, pleafure, and other en- 
joyments, they are made capable of! How manifold their 
frames ! How various their relations to Chrift, and to 
one another ! And how they work out their falvation 
with fear and trembling ; Lord, may I live and praife 
thee. 

59. They are called a remnant c. How few in com- 
parifon of the reft of mankind! How oft they chiefly con- 
fift of the poor, and dregs thereof! How oft wonderfully 
preferved, when the wicked are cut off! 

60. They refemble Isaac d. They are the fpiritual, 
the promifed feed of Abraham ; the fpecial, the diftin- 
guiihed feed of Heaven, the offspring of Jefus' intercef- 
fion. By means of the promife, and notwithltanding of 
infuperable-likediffieulties,are they {piritually conceived 
and born. How delightful a joy and rejoicing to God 
their Father, and to their mother the church ! Merciful- 
ly recovered from death, by the {laughter of God's pro- 
vided burnt offering, they love not their lives in oppofi- 
tion to his will. How fadly harraffed by their baftard 
brethren! But being heirs, at laft enter in to poffefs all 
the-fulnefs of God. 

61 They are compared to Jacob e. Freely chofen to 

a Rom, vii. 4, *>• h Gal. ii . 20. * Isa, xi. 16* 

rf Gal. iv,28. c Zeoh. xii.8. 



l68 SACREB TROPOLOGY. 

falvation, they drive to enter in at the ftrait gate of union 
to Ghrift, and renovation of their nature; andftruggle 
for glory, honour, immortality, eternal life. BlefTed in 
the robes of Chrift their elder brother's imputed righ- 
teoufnefs; guarded of angels; highly efteeming their fpi- 
ritual birth-righ:andbleffing;they wreftle with God, and 
alfo prevail ; and through manifold tribulation and death, 
go to the e'vcrlafting land of promife. Call thyfelf, even 
now, my foul, by the name of Jacob: fubfcribe with thine 
hand unto the Lord ; and (irname thyfelf; by the name 
of Ifrael. 

62. They are compared to David a- Exalted fron. the 
loweft decree, they fit with the Prince of the kings of the 
earth. Wifely they conduct themfelves : ftriplings and 
weak in themfelves, they areftrong in the Lord, and in the 
power of his might; andnotwithftanding of fearful guilt, 
and aifficulties innumerable, are more than conquerors 
through him that loved them. 

63 They are like unto Lazarus in the parable £. 
How generally poor and contemptible, in the view 
of the great men of the world ! How oft the brutal 
creation work together for their good ! At death, 
how readily angels convey their fouls to the heaven- 
ly maniions, where the damned inhabitants of hell have 
accefs to know their glory, and fruitlefsly wifh the lead 
fliare of it ! 

6$. They compare themfelves to beasts c. For, O 
the fhipidity, earthlinefs, filthinefs, perverfenefs, mif- 
chievoufnefs, uniightlinefs, they difcern in themfelves! 
Lord, what a monifroua Leaft, a wretched fyflem of 
beans, am 1 before thee ! Neverthelefs I am continu- 
ally with thee; thou holdeil rr.e by the right hand: thou; 
wilt guide me with thy counfel while here, and after 
bring me to tiiy gloiy. O let thy robes of falvation 
remove my uniightlinefs ; t l iy blood walkout my filthi- 
nefs ; thy inftruttiori remove my ignorance and follv ; 
thy Spirit undo my eaithli icfs and carnality; thy love 
fhed abroad in my heart, root out my ftubbornutfs and 
malice ! 

e. I«a. xhv. 5. b Liike xvi. 19,-16, t I'sal. hffitti, zo. 



Of metaphors refpeBing Saints* i6ty 

65. They are compared to fowls or birds a, How 
diveriiiled their cafes and frames! The converfation of 
fome, hew tender and comely! Of others, ah, how carnal 
and unfightlyi how, fupported by the air, the influence 
of tne Holy Ghofl,they mount and move among heavenly 
things ! How expoied to ftorms and WEats ! By what a- 
mazing initinc~t, they take up, and return to, their reft 
in the perfon, the offices, relations, righteoufnefs, and 
love of Chriit, the tree of life, the unconfumed bum, 
and the rock of ages ! Under the fhadow of his protection 
an:' oromife, how fweetly they fometimes ling ! O when 
mail he fweet fingiag of birds, the ran fomeds 'full con- 
cert, of Hallelujahs and Hofannas, come ! 

66. They are compared to eagles b. How glorious ! 
how royal their fpi ritual dignity among men ! How fo- 
lid their knowledge of the moft dazzling, the moll deep, 
and diltant things ! Renewing their ftrength and beauty 
after fpiritual decays, and carried by Jefus their parent, 
how unweariedly, on wings of faith, of love, and holy 
dtfire, they mount up towards God ; comfort themfelves 
in him ; make him, the munition of rocks, their habita- 
tion, from whence they overlook clouds and ftorms of 
trouble ! How earneftly they efpy anddefiretheprefence, 
and feed on the llain Lamb, of God ! Grovel no more, 
my foul j arife, fly away to Jefus, to the crag of the Rock 
which is higher than I. 

67. They are compared to doves c. How weak and 
timorous in themfelves ! but justified in Jefus' righteouf- 
nefs, and fan&ified by his grace, how comely \ Howpure 
in their new nature and fpiritual feeding ! How harm- 
lefs, loving, and affectionate ! How chafte their delire to- 
ward Chriil ! How fruitful in good works ! How great 
their delight in fellowlhip w T ith him, and his people ! How 
tenderly they weep over his death ! How inconfolably 
they mourn for his abfence ! How diligently they en- 
deavour to gain others to his caufe ! How fwift j how 
high j how heavenly, their motions of faith, love, and 
holy converfation ! How fweet j how fafe their abode 
in the fecret place of Jefus' purpofe, promife, righteouf- 
nefs, power, and lo\e ! How they fly to him in every 

oEzek.xvii. 2}. Song ii, 12. b Isa. xl. 31. Psa!. ciii. 5 clsa.l-xS* 



170 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

time of danger ! May my life, my lait end, be like theirs • 
M v I02 a tiove in the valley, mourning for mine ini- 
quities 4 

68 They compare themfelves to owls a : becaufe 
of their uncomelinefs in themfelves ; their love to dark- 
nefs ; their mournful and unpleafant cries ; and becaufe 
they are fo forfaken, contemned, and hated by others in 
the world. On earth, Lord, am not I, as a peiican of 
the wildernefs, and owl ©f the dtfert ? O when thall I 
be with thee ! be like thee, by feeing thee as thou art ! 

69. They compare themfelves to a sfar&Ow on the 
houfe-top alone b. For ah, how weak and infigniflcant 
in themfelves ! How f^litary and un fettled their condi- 
tion ! Be, Lord, what i will; let thy hcufe be my habi- 
tation. 

70. They compare thenr.fclves to chattering CRANES 
and swallows c. H w mournful their lamentation ! 
How broken their notes of praife ! How ftrangely varied 
their fpeech J Sometimes like cr.nes they roar; anon 
like fwallows they peep, and fpeak as it were out of the 
dufl. Lord, who knoweft iny brutal language, my whif- 
per, my roaring, let my groans, my cries, cone up with 
acceptance ©n thine altar ; for how can I iing thy fong 
in a foreign land ! 

71. Saints are compared to chickens d. How weak 
and inefficient in themfelves ! How expofed to danger, 
contempt, treading down, and deftruction ! But, how 
kindly called, warmed, comforted, protected, and provid- 
ed for by the Son of God I How fagacioufly they difcern 
his voice, and follow him ! How fweetly they eat and 
drink out of his fulnefs ! and lift up their heads and 
hearts in his praife ! 

72. They are compared to lions e. How great their 
influence in the world ; their fpiritual royalty ; their 
ftrength ; their boldnefs and courage ; and thtir conqucft 
01 fin, Satan, and the world ! How eminent their grati- 
tude, and their mutual affection ! How companionate to 
penitent and lubmiflive tinners ! And how oft dreadful 
to che fpirits of wicked men ! Inverted with thy righ- 

«P a aI.rii. 6. iPsalcii.j. c Isa. xxxviii. 14. 

d Matih. xxiii. 37* < Micah v. f. Frov.xxviii :. 



Of metaphors respecting Sahits. i 7l 

teonfnefs, O Jefus, let metoward* God, angels, and men, 
Be bold as a lion, that turneeh not away for any: of 
every luft let me tear the arm, and the crown of the 
head. 

73. They are compared to a company of horses in 
Pharaoh's chariots a, Ghofen from among men, to ever- 
lading honour and happinefs,theyare bought with the infi- 
nite price of Jefus' blood; they feed on tht fruit of theearth, 
the nnelt of the wheat; on his perfon, *igb'te oninefs. and 
benefits ; on all the fulnefs of God. By Jehovah, by his 
angels, and minifters, are they cared for, and attended. 
How richly ornamented with his righteonfnds and 
grace! how comely ; how ftately; how mapfHc; ftrong; 
courageous ; and efteemed of their Lord i how tamed, 
and broken, in heart, by his Spirit ! In the ezfy yoke 
of his law ; in the chariot of his church ; and with the 
bands of his love; how beautifully and regularly yoked 
together! And with what order, harmony, cheerful a- 
lertnefs and fpeed* do they honour him; running 1 a 
race of holy obedience, fighting his battles with -Satan 
and their corruptions ; and being the means to fpread 
his fame, and enlarge his conqueft s on earth! Art t] vou, 
my foul, the Lord's- goodly ho.rfe in the battle? 

74. They are compared to harts or hinds h, la 
their new man, how pure, lovely, pleafant loving, and 
grateful ', how expofed to danger and troable ! how in- 
veterate the enmity between them and the old ferpenr^ 
and his feed ! how fearfully thefe fatten upon th?ir f-;ul, 
amid carnality and fpi ritual doth, and deadnefs ! *\i\<k 
how hardly they get rid of them! When hunted by thefe 
persecutors, how ardent their defire of Spiritual T£ fit la- 
ment from Jefus' fountain of life! In his iirength, and as 
fwiftened by his grace, how glorioufiy they overleap, and 
overcome every tribulation, every difficulty ! how Je- 
hovah's voice affifts them in bringing forth their good 
worksj and young converts! 

7 $. They are compared to oxen and calves, fat- 
ted in the ftall ; or of the yoke c. How richly they 
feed on Jefus* fulnefs in the ordinances of his grace \ 
how harmonioufly they unite in hearing ana obeying 

o Song i. 9. WPsal. xlii. t, and xviiv 35. c, Mai, iv. 2. 



172 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

hi3 law, and promoting bis fervice ! how patient, har- 
dy, and laborious I Under his diftmguifhed influ- 
ence, how frefb, comely, and abundant their grace ! 
how beautiful, edifying, and cheerful their ccnverfa. 
tion ! Shine forth, O Sun of righteoufnefs, on my foul: 
fo fhall I ^row up, be fat, and full of fap ; and aye be 
flourifhing. 

76 They are called Chrift's sheep and lambs a, 
Chofen, purchafed, formed, ltd, and owned by him, how 
noted their righteoulnefs y their purity; patience; in- 
nocence ; and ufefulnefs ! What wholefcme paftures of 
God's truth and fulnefs they ordinarily feed on ! How 
they know and obey Chrift's voice! reft under his fha- 
dow, in the noontide of trouble ! follow his example ! 
mutually love, and in the fold of his church and wor- 
fhipping aflfemblies, affociate together ! And how fruit- 
ful in good works ! and in winning others to him ! Kow 
expofed to danger, difeafes, and ftorms ! How apt of 
themfelves to feed on the rot grafs of finful ccrruptions, 
and carnal enjoyments ! How apt to follow bad example, 
and go aftray from the paftures, and paths of their great 
Shepherd ! Lord, give to me eternal life ; and fuffer 
none to pluck me out ot thy hand. 

-7. They are compared to lost sheep recovered b, 
Finaing them by nature afar off, and -wandering from 
God on mountains or iniquit), of vanity, and worlaiy 
enjoyments, Jefus, by the conviction and illumination of 
his word and Spirit, feeks them out, lays them on the 
moulders of his power aod love, and with great joy, 
brings them into his new-covenant ftate. When after- 
ward they wander into fins and fnares, he fends forth his 
light and his truth, to find out, lead ; and bring ihem 
back. By repeated reproofs, corrections, con iftions, 
and difplays of his glory, he feeks out and appreiu uls 
them ! and in his arms of mercy, and bofom of love, 
he bears them home to himfelf ; and at lail to the man- 
fions of blifs. Lord, when I have wandered till i know 
not where to find my f elf, do thou feek and find me ; re- 
cover, lead, bear, and ca»ry me. 

78. They arc compared to a newly wafhed flock OF 
a John xxi. 15, 16. b Luke *v. 4,-.-7. Psal. cxix. 17& 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. 17$ 

goats, on mount Gilead; whereof every one beareth. 
twins a. Notwithftanding of remaining corruption, how 
beautiful, as wafhed in Jefus' blood ! On what rich, high, 
and heavenly pafture of his promife, perfon, and fulnefs, 
they feed ! How marvelloufly they travel heavenward ! 
and climb to God's throne in queft of their provifion ! 
How even (horn, having put off the old man with his 
deeds ! What living, reafonable, and acceptable facrifices 
to God through Jefus Ghrift ! And how ufeful and me- 
dicinal to men is their holy converfation I 

79. Young faints are likened to kids b. Whatever 
livelinefs and beauty appear about them ; yet there are 
fad remains of filthinefs, weaknefs, folly, ignorance. 1o 
remove this, my foul, feed thyielf befide the fhepherds 
tents, in the gofpel-oidinances of Chrift. 

80. They compare themfelves to dogs c. What in- 
fignificancy ; filthinefs ; mifchievoufnefs ; ufelefs, and 
hurtful noife ; and readinefs to relapfe into fins once re- 
pented of, they difcern in themfelves ! Truth, Lord, I 
am a dog : but do not even the dogs eat of the crumbs, 
which fall from their mailer's table ? 

81. They are required to be wife as SERPENTS d % 
Carefully are they to watch againft every danger ^ turn 
away their ear from all flattery and temptation; feize 
every opportunity of afoul ting- their fpiritual foes ; 
wifely fecure their head and heart from every imminent 
hazard ; and forcibly vomit up by repentance, their fin- 
ful poifon, when they go to drink, out of God's refrefh* 
ful wells of falvation. 

82* They compare themfelves to tossed locusts ei 
How inconfiderable in themfelves ! How few their 
months ! How fhort their mortal life ! How oft employ- 
ed in evil ! How toflkd to and fro with blafts of trouble ! 
When, Lord, fhall my five months of fin and woe be 
gone, and never dying glory come ! 

83. They are compared to worms/. How earthy 
in the origin, the refidence, the food, and the return of 
thuir body ! In their own view, how mean, weak, in- 
fignificant, and earthly minded ! their belly and foul 

P 
aSongiv.j. I Song i. 8. e Matth.xY.27. dMatth,*.x& 

t Ful, ax. 23. /Ua. xli. 14. 



174 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

cleaveth to the earth : and how expofed to fuiTering and 
contempt ! Thrice ftrange ! are worms redeemed by 
blood divine ! 

84. They are compared to good fishes a. In the 
fea of this world, their outward man lives and moves ; 
their new man in the lea of Jefus' love : for fcales are 
they adorned and protected with his imputed righteouf- 
nefs and imparted grace; with the fins of faith and 
love, they balance their motions, and fwim againft the 
tides of corruption and trouble : how vigoroully even 
now, they preis towards heaven their native abode ! 
The end cometh, when, while others are taken in an e- 
vil net. and call away into unquenchable fire, they JTiaU 
be gathered together, and by angels carried into Jefus* 
palace : that they may be to him a fubject of everlaft- 
ing pleafure and joy. 

8;. They are compared to trees b. Planted in the 
foil of the new covenant, rooted and grounded in Chrift, 
watered by the river of his love, his Spirit, his word, 
and ordinances ; in what comely, high, and flourishing 
manner they grow up, and become fruitful in unfading 
leaves of profefiion, and uncorrupring fruit of good 
works ! How they tower heavenward, and are a protect- 
ing (hadow and fence to the red of the world ! They are 
trees of righteoufnefs, immoveablv rooted in Chrift, as 
the Lord their righteoufnefs ; from whence proceeds 
their fruits of righteoufnefs to the praife of his glory. 

86. They are compared to the cedars of Lebanon c. 
Deep and firmly rooted in the rock Chrift, and his un- 
changeable covenant, how full of fpirituai fap ! How 
high their growth towards heaven ! How ever flourifli- 
ing, precious, fragrant, comely, and ftrong in the 
Lord ! How ufeful materials to erect theinviiible church, 
the true temple of God ! How protecting a made, to the 
{inner s around, from the temporal judgments of Heaven ! 

87. They are compared to oak and TYLE-trees d* 
How ftrong, lading, ufeful, and fruitful in their kind \ 
Suppofe the winter-ftorms, the (torching drought of 
temptation,deierUo.'i, prevailing corruption, heavy trou- 
ble, and bloody perfecution, fadly wither their outward 
a Mat, xii, 47,— 5». tEzek.xlvii. 12. c Fsal. xcii. j.*. J Isa. vi. 11—13. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints* iy£ 

condition, their converfation, or even their gracious 
exercife, yet a fubftance of grace and feed of glory re- 
maining in them, they mall in the fpring-tride, of re- 
newed divine vifits, of death, and of the refurreftion, 
revive and rlouriih as an herb. 

83. They are compared to fir and pine-Trees a. Out 
of what barren foil of a natural ftsrte, do they originally 
fpring! And in what a barren world, they here (land * 
Yet how upright' how tall ! how comely mGhrHlf 
how free from knotting corruptions I and fcandaious 
crimes! how ufeful and refreshing their fhadow and in- 
fluence! how unfailing! how plentiful their gracious fop, 
that renders them verdent, in the winter of trouble and 
death ! 

89, They are compared to Box-trees £ In refpect of 
their new man, how excellent and ufef ul ! How favoury 
their converfation! How protecting and refrefhfui their 
fhadow ! their influence \ 

90 They are compared to shittaH- trees or ihittim- 
wood c. How rare ! how excellent ! how fubftantial, 
liable, and perfevering in grace ! Their hearts are an 
ark, a repofitory, for God's law. Their perfons are al- 
tars of incenfe; on which, the facrifices of prayer, praife, 
and good works, are through Chriit offered up unto 
God. 

91 . They are compared to wiLLow-trees d. Planted 
by the rivers of water, having a fixed communion with 
the love, the blood, the Spirit, the promile of God, how 
quickly; how pleafantly they grow up in grace, as his 
influences are plentifully enjoyed! Without thefe indeed, 
they could but wither and fade; but with them, hovv 
fteadily they continue in their holinefs and prcfeffion, 
while, by the (form or drought of perfecution, temp- 
tation, trouble, and death, hypocrites wither, and 
perifh ! 

92. They are compared to PALM-trees e„ At firft, 
hgw we&k their faith ! their hope! their love! Yet how 
{Iraight, bending upward to heavenly things! How my- 
Iterioufly their vital juice is repofit?d in Chrift their 

a Isa. lv. xi, and Ix. 13. b Isa. xii. 19. c Isa. xli. 19. 

d Isa. xliv. 45. <?PsaI, xcii. 12. Ezek. xl. z6. 

P2 



l^S SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

headl How delicious their fruit ! their gofpel-holinefs ! 
The more high and heavenly they become, the more a- 
bundant is their good fruit; and their refrefhful fhadow 
and influence. In mutual love and conjunct profeflion of 
truth, how they cleave one to another ! Never do they 
utterly fade, nor caft their leaves of an holy profeflion, 
find outward Chriftian converfation ; but when eminent- 
ly warmed by the Sun of righteoufnefs, watered by the 
river of life, and loaded with manifold troubles, how 
mightily they flouriih and grow ! How ufeful in build- 
ing the church ! And in the peace and victory obtained 
for them by Chrift, how (hall the\ as with palms, with 
emblems of conqueft and peace, in their hands, for ever 
triumph! 

93. They are compared to MYRTLE-trees a. In their 
fpintual condition-and attainment, how diverlified ! The 
perfons and converfation of all, how fragrant ! how pre- 
cious and excellent ! How they profper in the fat foil of 
fellowfiiip with God and his faints ! and in the low bot- 
tom or valley of ftlf-abafement, and trouble! How 
infallibly they retain their fap of grace and leaves of 
profeflion, till the end ! How choice their fruit of love 
to God and their neighbour! Is it not from thee, blefled 
Man among the myrtle-trees, that our Tap, our fruit 
is found ! 

94. They are compared to POMEGRA$ATE-trees b. 
How rarely to be found ! and only in Chrift's gar- 
den, the church ! How diverfified their condition, and 
degrees of grace ! How upright, and heavenly mind- 
ed ! How abundantly do, efpecially fome, bring forth 
the fweet, the pUafant, refrefhful, and nourifliing fruits 
of holinefs ! 

95. They are compared to FlG-trees c. How early ! 
how abundant and excellent are their fruits of faith, hope, 
repentance, love, humility, refignation, felf-denial, zeal ! 
How extend ve and comely their leafy proftffion, that 
flows from, and follows their principal,their inward fruit! 
How neceflary are cutting convictions and trouble, to 
forward the ripening of their product! The longer they 

a Zech. i. 2. k Song vii, iu , t Song ii.. 13. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. 177 

are plunged in waters of adverfity, how oft they bear up 
the better ! 

96. They are compared to OLivE-trees a. Upon the 
bleffed mountain, upon Chrift, his church, his ordinances, 
how beautifully they grow in grace! How choice! ver- 
dant and durable! How richly laden with the wholefome, 
thefweef, the gracious and ufeful fruits of holinefs; which 
mike our face to fhine ! 

97. They are compared to vines b. Weak and ufe- 
]efs in themfelves, but leaning on Chrift their fupporter, 
to what diftinguiftied height, of holinefs and profeflion, 
they grow ! What pleafant, exhilarating, and nourifh- 
ing fruits of righteoufnefs, and which muft be fitted 
by preffing troubles, do they bring forth! Haft thou, 
my foul, this fruit, that cheereth the heart of God 
and man. 

98. They are compared to ingrafted branches c. 
Powerfully cut off from the corrupt and killing root of 
fallen Adam as their covenant-head, they are with divine 
care and wifdom, unite to Jefus Chrift as their root, that 
on him the whole weight of their perfons and falvafion. 
may depend. By him they are fupported in ail their 
trouble. From him they receive all that grace and glo- 
ry, which render them holy or happy. By the molt inti- 
mate and conftant fellowfhip, abide in him,. my foul-*: fo 
flialU bring forth much fruit. Let me never cleave to 
him as an ivy by mere outward profeffion, left he pluck, 
me away, and caft me into eternal fire. 

99. They are compared to plants d. In Chrift and 
his new-covenant are they fown, and planted in the like- 
nefs, and by fharing the virtue of his death: from the 
feed of the Spirit and promife fown in their heart, doth 
their grace proceed. How oft ! and how eafily are they 
injured ! How quickly trodden down and ruined, if eii- 
pofed to Satan and their corruptions! Tender and weak 
in themfelves, how carefully muft Jefus andhisminifters, 
wait onj water, and hedge about them, to promote their 
fpiritual growth ! 

10c. They are compared to flowers, or flourish- 

*<Hosea xiv. 16, b Song ii. 15. c John xv. 2, — 5, 

d Song iv. i j, 

^3 



*7** SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

ing HERBS a. Rooted and grounded in Chrift,"par taking 
of his nourishing virtue, warmed with his folar heat, 
watered by his Spirit ; under his lhadow, they grow up, 
appear frefh, fragrant, and beautiful; increafe in grace ; 
and perfedl holinefs, in the fear oftherLord. O their 
delightful comelinefs, in the morning of converfion, of 
renewed manifeftations, of entrance on the eternal flate, 
and of rifing from the grave ! Let thy dew, adored Je- 
fus, caufe me grow up as the lily, fpread my roots, and 
caft abroad my fmell,. as Lebanon. 

101. They are compared to lilies among thorns ^. 
Amid wicked men that daily moleft them ; amid trou- 
bles that daily harafs them ; how they, weak in them- 
felves, by multitudes fpring from Jefus their root I 
How pure, comely> quick grown, and tall in grace ! 
How open towards heavenly, and (hut towards earthly 
things, is their heart ! How fruitful in good works ! 
and in converting others ! What a fweet favour of 
Chrifl in the world ! The higher their fpiritual growth, 
the more they hang down their head in humility, felf- 
denial, and holy blufhing. When arrived at their glo- 
ry, how quickly they difappear, pluckt by death ! 

102. They refemble mandrakes c. How meek, 
cool, and pacific, their fpirit ! how beautiful, favoury, 
and acceptable to Chrift and his Father ! By fervent 
prayer, by earneft defire, how they promote the difco- 
veries of his Jove ! By their lively and fruitful con- 
verfation, how they provoke one another to love, and 
to crood works ! Neverthelefs, if left to themfelves, 
how flothfully they fleep, and finfully fleepen one ano- 
ther ! 

103. They are compared to growing corn, or 
wheat d. Amid tares of wicked men and vile corrup- 
tions, how, feeded with the good word of God, watered 
with his blood and Spirit, and warmed with his redeem- 
ing love, they gradually grow up, bearing precious 
fruits of righteoufsnefs, to the glory of God, and the 
profit and fupport of men ! By mortification of lulls, 
how carefully ought they to be wed and purged ! How 

a Isa. Ixvi. 14. b Song ii. 2, c Song V)i, 13. d Hos, x»v. 5. 
Matth.xiii. 27. 3°. 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. ij^ 

Capable, through Chrift, to endure winters and itorms 
of affliction ! When ripe, how folid in knowledge ! in 
experience ! How their roots lofe from the earth ! and 
their heart hangs downward in felf-abafement, and re- 
fignation to death I How cut down by his fharp fickle ! 
By what fin-mortifying influence of the Spirit ; by what 
threftiing and winnowing troubles are they purged from 
their chaff! their foul feparate from the body, that this 
may be fown in the grave, and in the refurredlion fpring 
up a glorious body for Chrift. Are they not the glory, 
the excellency, of earth ? and the immediate reafon of 
God's benevolent care and labour about it ? 

104. They are compared to an orchard of spices a* 
The graces that grow in their heart, the good works 
that appear in their life, how various ! how precious I 
how fragrant, perfuming and medicinal ! 

105. They are compared to nuts b. In the covering 
of Jefus' righteoufnefs ; in the love, the purpofe, the 
power of God, how hid and fecured their perfon and 
grace ! How impoffible to be loft, hurt, ©r deftroyed ! 
What coarfe fhell of a mortal body lodges their invifi- 
ble, their precious foul ! Amid defpicable outward ap- 
pearances, how precious, ufeful, and glorious within ! 
How tenacioufly they cleave to Chrift, and to one ano- 
ther in love ! How hardy under preffing afHidions ! 
How readily their grace is difcovered by breaking rods 
and affli&ions ! 

106. They are compared to good figs c. How a- 
bundant their fulnefs of fpiritual fap ! What an ufeful 
medicine and refrefhment to a land ! How delightful and 
favoury to Chrift and his people ! When, Lord, fhall 
they be very good ! 

107. They refemble arfHEAP oF wheat fet about 
with lilies d. Conceived and born of the church, how 
numerous, comely, folid, fubftantial, and precious ! 
And how furrounded with lily-like faints, promifes, 
graces, good works ! 

108. Saints are compared to light*. How excellent,, 

ufeful, and defirable [ Hew powerful and clear their fpi- 

a Song iv. 13, 14. & Sons vi - »• c Jer, xxiv. 2. 

d Song vii. 2, t Eph v\ 8. 



ISO SACRED TROPOLOGY* 

ritual knowledge ! How mining and illuminating their 
profefnon and practice ! What a plague for a land, to be 
deprived of them ! How darknefs and wrath feize up- 
on it : and the wicked have none to put them to fhame ! 
Be thou my foul, as the fhining light, that fhineth more 
and more unto the perfect day. 

109. They are compared to the morning a. Small 
at prefent, but hopeful, pleafant, and gradual, is the in- 
creafe of their light, knowledge, grace, and good works. 
How fweetly bedewed from above ! How refrefhful 
their ilate, and wholefome their air ! While their graces 
go forth to their work, and labour of love , how faft 
the wild beads of infernal fiends, and finful corruptions, 
hide themf elves in their dens ! How quickly ihall the 
fun of endlefs vifion rife upon them ! Haften, my foul, 
unto the perfect day of the Lord. 

iio. They are compared to the sun b. How hea- 
venly their date ! their affections ! their converfation ! 
In Jefus' imputed righteoufnefs, his imparted grace, and 
the good works proceeding therefrom, how brightly 
they fliine ! And next to hirafeif, enlighten, adorn, warm, 
and refrefh the world ! Nor here, is their glory fully 
underfiood; nor there reltful condition believed: but 
the time cometh, when they flaall for ever reft, snd fliine 
in the kingdom of their Father. Jefus ihall change 
their vile body, and fafhion it like unto his glorious 
body, brighter than the fun mining in his ftrength. Ah ! 
how am I turned into darknefs, become black as fack- 
cloth of hair! But I know, that when HE fliall appear, 
I mall alfo appear with him in glory. 

hi. They are compared to the moon r. How far 
inferior to Chrift the Sun of righteoufnefs, from whom 
they borrow all their glory and luftre ! How fully, di- 
rect views of his countenance, makes them to mine ! 
How inconftant their frames! How fpotted with cor- 
ruption, their heart and life ! How, during the night 
of time, they enlighten the world ! How great their m- 
fljtnce in the rife and fall of nations, in its troubled lea ! 
11a. They are compared to stars d. How pure, 
numerous, and ufeful! How high their flation ! How 
« Song vi. 10, * JM atlhtfiji 43. e Song vi.io. d 1 Cor xv. 41, 



Of metaphors respecting Saints. 1S1 

bright their eternal glory ! How diverfified their cafe 
and form ! How heavenly and regular their motions! 
None thrufts himfelf into the place of his fellow. Yet 
there is room. How they now adorn the militant'church f 
But cometh not a day, an eternity, when unfeen hea- 
vens iliall burn with all their fires ! their liars redeem- 
ed ! when all the corners of heaven mall reflect: our 
borrowed luftre ! When I have obtained'that meridian, 
how mall my views or* this earth, as infignificant, be 
loft ! But how wide ! how clear, my views of Godhead f 
I mail fee him as he is. 

1 13. They are compared to clouds a. What a col- 
lection of particular faints unnumbered ! In Chrifl how 
high their ftate and dignity ! How heavenly-minded 
in heart ! How clofe and myfterious their connnexion 
among themfelves ! How ufeful are they to overfhadow, 
protect, refrefh, and water the world ! Moved by the 
influencing gales of the Holy Ghoft, how quickly ! how 
marvelloufly they fly to Jefus, in the exercife of grace, 
and practice of holy duties ! 

114. They are compared to DEW and rain b. Their 
natural birth is of the earth and tea of this world: their 
new is from above, of the Father of lights, and owing 
wholly to his fovereign and attractive grace. How hea- 
venly the itate, and temper of their foul ! How readily 
attracted to things above ; How great their number ! 
How beautiful their form ! How pleafant, refrefhful, 
quickening, and fructifying the influence of their prayers 
and holy converfation, on thefe around ! chiefly on 
young profeffors ! When, my Lord, ihall we fly as a 
cloud, to meet thee in the air 1 

115. They are a spring fhut up; a fountain seal- 
ed c. In them, the Spirit is a well of water fpringing 
up to everlafting life. How unfailing their grace ! 
How fealed their perfons and concerns ; marked out by 
the Holy Ghoft, and fet afide for Chrift, as folely his 
property ! My foul, admit none but Chrift ; he is mine, 
and I am his: nor can you fiends, you corruptions, re- 
take your ancient poilemon ; the Lprd hath Ihut me up 
for himfelf: and there is no opening. 

« Isa. lx. $4 h Mieah v. 7. c Song iv. iz. 



1 82 SAC RED TRO? LOGY. 

i • 6. Saints falling before the wicked are like a trou- 
bled Fountain, and corrupt spring a. How uncome- 
ly ! how hurtful ? how diiagreeable and ihocking the 
fight ! Yet, rejoice not againft me, O mine enemy ; when 
I fall, I fhall arife ; when I fit in darknefs, the Lord will 
be a light unto me. 

117. Saints are called the apple of God's eye h. 
How dear to him ! How carefully defended and preier ved 
by him ! How deeply he fympatmzes with them ! How 
highly is he provoked with fuch as injure them! Lord, 
am. I, a worthlefs finner, fo dear to the^ ! What then 
ftouldft THOU he, to my heart ! 

ir8. They are called God's jewels c. How rare ; 
precious; comely; excellent; and ufeful ! How care- 
fully fought out by God ! and polifhclfor himfelf ! How 
highly he values ; h©w fafely he preferves ; and how 
publicly he will at lad exhibit them in their brightnefsj 
How fignally he adorns, and glorifies himfelf, by them ! 

119. They are compared to gold d. How precious, 
ufeful, comely, and durable ! How the furnace of afflic- 
tion purges away their corrupt draft ; but makes their 
golden grace to mine ! When melted by his love, how 
eaiily God moulds their heart, as he pleafeth ! How 
carefully he preferves; and how highly he efteems them, 
as his portion, and wealth ! How oft, Lord, when thou 
haft tried me m thy furnace, have I come forth as drofs, 
rather than gold ! 

120. They are compared to a lost piece of silver 
recovered by fweeping the houfe e. Loft in Adam, loft 
amid their own corruption, God by fweeping judgments $ 
but chiefly by the preaching of the glorious gofpel, which 
f weeps away error, idolatry, and fuperflition ; and by 
conviction and illumination, which fweeps awsy i elf- con- 
fidence, legal righteoufnefs, ignorance, hatred of a Savi- 
our, finds them out, and by his grace renders them beau- 
tiful, ufeful, pure, and precious. 

121. They are represented as God's TREASURE, POR- 
TION, inheritance, crown, diadem^ He chofe, and 
redeemed them to himfelf. By the infinite price of his 

Prov.xxv 26. b Zech ii 8. c Mai. iii. 17. JJobxxtiiio. 
ri^ukexvJJ. /Psal. exxxy 4. JDcut. xxxu. 9. isa. i\ix. i. 



Of metaphors respecting Saintsi 183 

Son's blood ; by the almighty conqueft of his grace, he 
obtains them. How greatly he values ; delights in ; re- 
joices over; and boails of them! How glorioufly his 
choice, his pardon, acceptance, adoption, fan£lification, 
and glorification of them, demonftrate his riches of grace ,j 
his power and fovereignty ! Nor ihall ever any of them 
be hurt, loft, or alienated. 

122. They are repre Tented as a temple and habita- 
tion for God a* Upon his Son as the Lord their righ- 
teoufnefs and ftrength, he founds them. With his Spirit 
and grace he furniihes- them. With pleafure and con- 
ftancy, be refides and operates in them, to will and to do. 
Inwardly is he worfhipped by them,,infpiritand in truth. 
It is thine, O Jefus, to fill their nnderftanding with thy 
inlbuctive light and knowledge ; to fill their conference 
with thy cleanfing blood, pardoning grace, and directive 
law ; to fill their will with thy melting love, thy un- 
matched excellency; to fill their afft&ions with thy ra- 
vishing goodnefs and beauty; to fill their memory with 
thy various truths, thy mighty works. So let thy glory 
fill my heart, that nor hell, nor earth, may dare to en- 
ter in ! 

123. They are like unto an ornament I. With their 
grace, their good works, how they adorn their profef- 
fion! deck their country ; and beautify their church ! 
honour their race and family ; and glorify their God S 
Make mc, Lord, a faithful, a wife, a fuccefsful reprover ; 
fo ihall I be more ufeful, efleemeJ, and glorious, than an 
ornament of choice gold. 

124. They are an everlasting foundation c. How 
fixed for ever, on the Rock of ages, are their perfons ! 
How immoveable their new covenant Hate I How un- 
failing their grace ! How perpetual their remembrance ! 
What a itru&ure of difplayed grace and glory. God 
builds on them 1 And is not their leal, The Lord knoweth 
them that are his ! and,. Let him that nameth the name 
of Ciirift, depart from iniquity ! The Lord is at my 
right hand, is in my heart ; on him dependeth all my 
hope ; therefore I (hall not be moved. 

1^5, They are lively stones d. Digged out of the 
a Eph. ii. 2i, 21. b Prov xxv 1 2. e Prov x. 25. d 1 Pet. ii s> ** 



I $4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

quarry of their natural ftate, quickened by the Spirit of 
God, unite to Jefus as their foundation, they conftitute 
the ftru&ure of the invifjble church : they enter on a 
ftate of everlafting life ; become quick, lively, and active 
in holy duties : in refpect of profeffion and practice, they 
are in Chrift, made ftrong, fixed, and durable. But how 
oft ftumbling-blocks to carnal men ; who, for their 
outward meannefs and often infirmities, defpife them, 
and fo ruin themfelves ! 

126. They are signs and wonders a. In their new- 
covenant ftate, and work, they deferve the admiration of 
all around them. But becaufe they are unknown in the 
world ; unlike to the t men of it ; enemies to the way of it, 
and reprovers of the deeds of it; they are oft, by carnal 
men, held, as monfters of folly, villainy, hurtfulnefs, 
pride, error, novelty, melancholy, dulnefs, ingratitude, 
fpite, hot-headednefs, babbling. 

1 27. They are compared to brands pluckt out of the 
fire b. When burning in the fiery curfe of the broken 
law ; when burning in the fire of their lulls, their enmity 
againft God ; when ready to be caft into the everlafting 
burnings of hell, how powerfully ! how feafonably ! how 
kindly, Jefus apprehends them by his grace ! quenches 
them in his blood and Spirit ! forms them into his image; 
and conftitutes them heirs of his glory! Shall I here alfo 
look after him, who thus faw, and faved me! 

128. They are compared to pillars of smoke c. How 
burning their defire towards Chrift ! How upright and 
fteady their heavenly affections and converfation .' How 
cheerfully they offer up themfelves, living, reasonable, 
and fweet fmelling Sacrifices to God, as perfumed with 
all the fpices of our glorious Merchant ! And in what 
obfeure and uneafy condition are they oft, upon earth ! 

129. Weak faints are likened to smoking flax d. 
How fmall degrees of heart-inflaming grace have they 
attained ! Or how fadly they lofe what they once had ! 
How fearfully they forfake God ; leave their firft love ; 
and poffefs fmall Spiritual warmth ! How, with their 
noifome and untender converfation, they become trouble- 

« Isa, viii, )8. b £ech, iii, 3, c Song iii. 6, d Isa. xlii< 3* 



Cf metaphors respecting- Saints, 185 

fome and hurtful to thefe around! Lord Tefus, I am 
fuch 5 lay a live-coal from the altar, on my heart. 

130. Weak faints are compared to bruised REids a. 
How weak, insufficient, and worthlefs in ihemfelves , in 
their own view ; or in the estimation of carnal men! How 
unfit to tower heavenward, or bear heavy burdens of 
work, or warfare ! How oft are their hearts broken and 
bruifed with conviction, with defertion, temptation, pre- 
valency of corruption, and outward trouble ! EletTed Je- 
fus, ihou wilt not break me 5 wilt not deltroy, but help, 
ft lengthen, and comfort me. When 1 breathe my native 
iiir, with pleafure, I my bruifes firig ! By death, I long 
to break, and burfi r and fee my God. 

131. Saints are called vessels .bottles, tots, bowls, 
l>. By election they are chofe'n and appointed ; by juilin~ 
cation, regeneration, adoption* and fanclifitation^ they are 
fitted to receive and retain God's fulnefs, of Spirit, of 
grace, and glory, be flowed upon them. They are vefiels 
of mercy, formed and preferved by God's mere}-, to r>e 
for ever filled with mercy and kindneis. How oft like 
OLD sottles, unfie fo, new wine, for eminent ma-r« 
feltations cf God, or hard fefvice in his waj ! How zr-ft 
like battles in the fftieke, withered, rent, and n irrov* ^ 
by perplexing trouble and affliclrioti ! LorcU make me a 
bowl before the altar ; ever near to a crucified Jeius 2 d 
to God in 'him. If I am a diftrefied, a broken poc^isy 
rents caufe let my glory in. 

132. They are compared to salt c\ Ictereftecl in the 
eyerlafling covenant of fait, they have the perpetual m- 
corruptible, and purifying wordand grace of God, i th it 
heart. They are a vexation and tirieafj burden to wick- 
ed men ; but an ufeful means to pcefe nations a ud 
chuK'hes, from univerfal corruption and ruin. 

133. They are the stJBSTA'NpE of a hand d- They a- 
lone, are therein Valuable. Lhty are the ileful m*a'ns of 
averting wrathful judgments ; of procuring mercies of 
preventing and expelling iniquities; and of prompting 
the other inhabitants to their prpper duty. 

134. They are like unto purple hairs oh the h 

clsa.xlii.3. : Rod ix. ?. > 5 rMatth, v. 13. 

d isa. vi. 13. e S< ;g iv, \ i and \a. 5. 



lS6 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

Weak and infignifjcant in themfelves, ready to be tofTed 
to and fro ; but deep rooted in Jefus, the head of the 
church, they derive their fecurity and nourishment from 
him ; are carefully preferved by him ; and rendered an 
ornament to him, and to his body the church. Divine- 
ly are they warned in his purple blood ; royal is their 
new covenant dignity j and manifold their i'uffering for 
his fake. 

1 35' They are like unto a seal on Chrift's heart and 
arm a. How conflantly loved, valued, prote died, and re- 
membered by him ! His eye, his care, is ever on them. 
How well grounded, and firm, their affurance of his af- 
fection I How near him they live ! fee hib face, and feel 
his love working en their heart! 

«* ©-~ 

CHAP. VII. 



OF METAPHORS RESPECTING WICKED MEN. 

i,"\7\ RICKED men are called devils ^ Fallen from 
* V their firft efrate, they are become falfe accufers 
of God and his people, malicious, conftant, and cruel ene- 
mies to them. How they delight to do evil ! to lie, mur- 
der, and to the ntmoft of their power, tempt others to 
fin. How foiiuken, and abhorred of God ! How fad 
ripening for everlafting punifhment ! How juflly, Lord, 
mzyft thou addrefs me ; Gei thee behind me, Satan, for 
thou favoured not the things that be of God ; but the 
things that be of men! 

2. They are compared to a human body. Their head 
denotes their power and authority. Their lifting up their 
head, fignifies their proud exerting of their power c. 
Sinking t'ne head, imports deiifion and contempt d* 
A whore's fcrehecd, a brow of brafs, denotes fhamelefs 
boldncfs in finning*. Their having ears thut hear not, 
and e) cl ;1 at fee not, imports their not knowing, belie- 
ving, and receiving with their heart, what they out- 



a Srr.g vni. 6. 
d Jobxvi, 4. 



b John vi. 70. c Pi al. lxxyjii, 2, 

c Jer. Hi, 3. Isa. xlviii, 4, 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men. 187 

wardly hear and fee a. An evil eye, is one employed 
in efpying occaiions of wickednefs, and tempting others 
to it; particularly one employed by a churlifti, covetous, 
and malicious heart 3. Eyes full of adultery, are thefe 
exceedingly given to wanton and lafcivibus looks c. En- 
fnaring eyes or eye-lids, are fuch as harlots employed 
in amorous glances to entice men to lull after them d 
Lofty eyes, and eye r lids, or high looks, import pride, 
and contempt of others e» Winking with the eye, im- 
ports derihon of others, or fecret enticing them to fih ; 
which bringeth forrow to the injured ; and wrath to the 
injurer/*. Their teeth being fpears, and arrows, knives, 
fwords, imports their malicious uiingof their power, and 
language, to pain and hurt others £. Their being fm it- 
ten on ,the cheek-bone, and having their teeth broken, 
imports their feeling fome fearful judgment, whereby 
their power to hurt others is taken away h. Their 
tongue being a firs, a fharp fword, and their having a 
fword in their mouth or lips, imports the mifchievoiii 
and murderous tendency of their unchafte, profane, paf- 
fioaate, reviling, and fraudulent fpeech i. Their rol- 
ling fin as a fweet morfel under their tongue ; having 
mifchief and vanitv, or the poifon of afps under their 
tongue, imports their delight in wickednefs; their readi- 
nefs, on every occafion, to utter mifchievous and vaia 
language ; which however pleafant for a time, {lowly 
imperceptibly, and infallibly tend, to the ruin of every 
one infected by it i. To fmite with the tongue, is to 
reproach and revile ; to backbite with the tongue, is to 
fpeak to our neighbour's prejudice in his abfence IA A 
tongue walking through the earth, implies impudent 
boldnefs, in every where blafpheming God, ridiculina- 
and reproaching our neighbour m. Sharpening of the 
tongue like a ferpent, implies activity and contrivance 
in belching forth the mod deftru&ive and poifoaous dif- 
courfe ;/. The words of the wicked are fliarp arrows 
are to lie in wait for blood, are the piercings of a fword; 



a Isa. vi. 10. 


b Mark vii.22. Prov. xxiii.6. c 2 Pet ii 14 

t Prov xxx. 13 /Prov, X 10. g Prov. xxx! .4! 

6Psal.ni. 7. i Psal. Ivii. 4. Prov. xxv m 


d Prov. vi. 25. 


Psal.lv ii. 4. 


i Job xx. u. 


Psal.x. 7. / Jer. xviii. 18. m Poal. Ixxiii. 0. 
n Psal. cxI. 3. 






Q> 



I S3 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and t'lefe of tale-bearers deep wounds ; as they tend to 
murder mens r - u . , bocjits, and characters a i tie per- 
verfenefs of their tongue is a breach in the fpirit; mews 
a di ["ordered fpirit in them; and tends to vex and di- 
iiurb the fpirit of others b. A. lying tongue is but for 
a moment; truth will quickly discover herfc-lf, and put 
fallehood to fiiame c. A flattering tongue or fpeech,re- 
i; ..bleb frnooth butter, oil, honey, dropping frcm the 
comb, for its apparent kindnefs innocency, and love d. 
The mouth of a harlot or ftrange woman, is a ceep pit ; 
her- lafcivious and enticing ivorcs, enfnare men into eno- 
lefs, and unfathomable rnifery e. Burning fire in one's 
lips, denotes malicious, paiiionats, provoking, and lull-in- 
Haming fpeeches/. Baminglips like a ponherd. covered 
over with lilver di"ofs,iignify wicked diteourfe embellifh- 
ed with elegr-r.t language and fine elocution g. The wick- 
eds mouth b. ing fall of cuifing and bitternefs; of fraud 
and deceit ; and their throat being an open fepulchre^ 
imports their con ft ant readinefs to pour forih abundance 
of angry, reproachful, blafphemous, noifome, infectious, 
faife, and ruinous language h. Their mouth being near 
deftru.&ioa ; being filled with gravel ; covered with vio- 
lence; and their foul eating violence, imports, that for 
their, hatred, op preffion, malicious, and blafphemous lan- 
guage, God mall quickly punifhtheoi with ruin; eppref- 
fion ; flaame ; vexation ; and torment z. Their feeling 
no quietnefs in their beily, and vomiting what they had 
iwailowedup, imports their inward angnilh of mind; their 
having nofolid pltafure in, and being quickly deprived of 
what they had fraudulently obtained k. Fatnefs and 
hardnefs of heart, imply their fluidity and obitinacy /. 
Their hands being full of bribes or blood, imports their 
being much given to bribery and murder //;. Their feet 
fwift to Hied blood, imports their inclination to,and acti- 
vity in hurting and ruining ethers n. Their fpetking 
with their feet, and teaching with their lingers, imports 
iheir awful and undifcernabie methods of exciting ocheri 

a Psal Ixiv. 3. Prov.xii. 6. and x\vt. 22. 
h lVov.xv.4. c Prov. xii. 19. rfPsal. Ivi if. Pro v. v. 3, 

rProv xxii. 14, /Prov. 16.27 g Prov. xxvi. 23. b Ko»i. 

,14. r Prov. xx. 17, and x. 11. /t Jr. b xx. 15, zc . 

Ufa. vj. 10. m Ua. xxxiii. 15. Eaek, xxiii. 4S- « Row. in, 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men, 189 

to fintf. Thorns and fnares, z. 1.. manifold troubles and 
temptations, are in their way awaiting and attending 
them: deftru&ion and mifery r done by, or awaiting them* 
ape in all their paths of life and conduct; and the way of 
peace, Ghrl/i and his commandments, and a pacific con- 
duct towards others, they have not known Curfing is 
their garment/'that cleaves clofe to them on every fide ; 
and enters into their bowels like water, deluging their 
foul with divine wrath b. Pride and wickednefs, like a 
chain or ornament, compaffeth them about; as they boaii 
and glory of it c. Their crafty enticements to fin, where- 
by they catch others, and the fnares they lay to ruin o- 
thers, are their net d Their table, the gofpel-or- 
dinances, and their outward enjoyments become a 
fnare and trap to them; are occafions of their Hum- 
bling into deeper rain, and being hardened in their 
wickednefs?. Am not I filled with all unrighteoufnefs, 
pride, debate, deceit, malignity, hatred of God ? And 
yet did the Son of God love HE, and give himfelf foe 
ME ? O how his love occafionaliy enhances my guilt \ 
And yet my guilt gives place to the exceeding greatnefs 
of his love . r 

3. Wicked men are called children of the devil, of 
difobedience, of wrath f. By Satan's agency, they became 
linners, and daily was more and more finful. In the wick- 
ednefs of txheir heart and practice, they bear his exprefs 
image: cheerfully they obey his will : readily they imi- 
tate his example: greatly they delight to enjoy feliowfhip 
with him, in his temptations. Ah ! how they are fil- 
led with, and given to difobedience, to wrath and enmi- 
ty againit God ! And how condemned to, and infeotied 
heirs of everlafting punifiiment ! Was 1 fuch ! and has 
grace made me a child, an heir of God, and -'otnt-heir 
with Chrift I 

4. They are reprefented as the soldiers and angels of 
Satan g, Enlifted under his banner, by voluntary con- 
fent to his fervice;. wearing his livery of finful practi- 
ces ; equipt with his armour of ignorance, enmity, ani 
manifold lulls j they, at his direction, to the everlafting 

a Prow vi. 13, b Psal. cix. 18. c Psal. Jxxiii. 6, d Psal; x. 9 
PsaUxix. 22, J John v iii. 44. £;:h. ii. 2, 3. £ Her, xiu%. 

Q~3 



I9'3 ' SACf!«D "TROPOLOGY. 

hazard of their foal, fight againft the drivings of God's 
Spirit in their conscience ; and with deceit and violence 
eppoie, persecute, and leek to ruin his caofe and intereft 
in the earth; and have for their prefect wages, the pro- 
fits and pleafnre% of fin, which are but for afeafon : and 
hereafter everlafting puniihment, with the devil and his 
angels. BleiTed Jefus, at what cxpence of love, of blood, 
of life, hall thou bought me off from this fervice! 

5. They are reprefented as hunters and Fowlers a. 
With the utmoit vanity, craft, and cruelty, they tempt 
and force one another, intofinful, into foul-ruining cours- 
es. How oft they wickedly undermine their neighbour's 
character, property, ftation or life ! How they hunt and 
perfecute the people of God ! 

6. They are reprefented as murderers b. By fin 
they deftroy themfelves : they ruin their friends and 
neighbours: they attempt to alTafiinate their Maker;, 
many of them crucify the Son of Godafrefh : nor, with- 
out fhedding of his blood for, and application of it to them, 
can their fin be forgiven. How, Lord, haft thou appre- 
hended me, thy betrayer and murderer, and wafhed me 
from my fins in thy blood ! How kind my remiffion ! 
Grace, grace, unto it ? 

7. They are reprefented as liars and deceivers r. 
Howdeceitful above all things, is their heart ! How early 
they go aitray fpeaking lies ! How they delight in, and 
promote falfe temptations, and errors ; fporting them- 
felves with their own deceivings ! With what vain hopes, 
and empty fhadows of virtue, they beguile themfelves 
and others ! In their religious profeiiion, purpofes, and 
acts, what do they, but compafs God about with lies : 
the temper and bent of their heart, being the very re- 
verfe ot their profefiion and pretences ! Lord, remove 
far from me, the way of lying. 

8. They are compared lo drunkards d. With what 
care, defire, delight, they feek after the pleafures of fin; 
embrace every opportunity to obtain them ; and count 
nothing, no not the ralvatton of their foul, too dear a 
price, to purchafe them ! How oft, after fenfibly hurt 
thereb, or pained with inward terror and conviclicn on 

a Prov. i. io r --j6. b Ilosca xiii. 9. r Pial. Iviii. 3. d Job xv. it. 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men. 191- 

their account, do they, as greedily as ever, return to 
their finful courie ! How vainly merry ! How ftupid, 
outrageous, and carelefs, about their great bufmefs, they 
are thereby rendered ! 

9. They are compared to sodomites, and like unclean 
perfons a. Contrary to the decency of things, contrary 
to the natural dictates of confcience, they burn in the 
lufts of the ftelh, and of the mind ; abufe tbemfelves with 
the vilell whoredom and departure from G-od ; and draw 
on themfelves his tremendous and fiery vengeance. Ah ! 
how long, has my life been among the UNCLEAN ! 

10. They are compared to thieves and robbers b. 
How craftily, cruelly, and ftiamelefsly, though often fe- 
cretly. they waile their time and ftrength ; and rifk their 
eternal (alvation, in robbing God of his due honour, love, 
eileem, worlhip, reverence, and time; in depriving their 
neighbours of their due regard and property ; and them- 
felves of their foiid happinefs and comfort! And how 
dreadfully taken at laft, arraigned, condemned, impriXon- 
ed, and tormented in hell ! 

11. They, chiefly hypocrites, are called BASTARDS 
and mothers children c. Though they are the child- 
ren of God by creation and common providence ; or by 
outward profeffion ; they are not born from above. They 
have no principle of love to God ; nothing of his moral 
image in them. Only, from a principle of fhviih fear or 
legal hope, doth their appearas^fcor obedience proceed* 
They hate the true children of IWd, and are without all 
title to the promifed inheritance of everlafting felicit}-* 
Hypocrites are children of the church, but not of Chriil 
the hufband thereof. 

12. They are represented as prodigals d. How 
quickly; how (infully ; how unreafonably, they waile 
their time, their talents and opportunities, to the abomi- 
nable purpofes of dilhonouring God, of defiling their 
neighbour, and of ruining their foul ! And fo at, or be- 
fore death, reduce themfelves to terrible ftraits and in- 
ward torments ; and not feidorn to outward mifery and 
want ! Ah, amid thefe pinches, to what flavifh fervice 

a Job, xxxvi 14, b Mai. iii, 8, 9, c j-Jeb, x j t gongi, 6, 
d Luke xv. 10,.— 16, 



I.92 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

of Satan, to feed his fwinifh lufts, have I hired myfelf * 
But bleiled be the Lord, who made me outrun my fer- 
vice j and fly to his offended, but gracious felf, as my 
iole relief. 

13. They are repTefented as fools and simple a, They 
haxe no true knowledge to direct their courfe ; they 
hate it, anddefpiiethe means of it : they prefer the huiks, 
the dung, the duff, the fpiders web, the wind of felf- 
righteaufnefs, of finful pleafa're and worldly enjoyments, 
to God, to Cbrift, to his nghteoufnefs, grace, and glory. 
Heartily they mock at fin ; at every thing of eternal mo- 
ment ; and ridicule what they know nor. Readily they 
fret at every thing like to be truly ufeful to them : 
thoughtlefsly they goon in their courfe; they prefer 
their body to their foul, time to eternity ; and chufe to 
provokeand difhonour God rather than man : headlefsly 
they enfnare themfelves in Satan's temptations ; and, to 
avoid momentary fancied evils, rum into infinite wo. 

14. They are repvcfented as mad, and possessed of 
the devil b. In their heart, Satan and his angels refide, 
and render them deaf, incapable to hear God's voice in 
his word and providence ; dumb, unfit to pray to, and 
praife God ; outrageous fccffers and defpifers of divine 
things ; rebels againft God, their beft friend ; rejecters 
of his righteoufnefs and falvation ; furious haters of fuch 
as woula initruc"t, and admonifh them ; employed, in 
Wounding and murde ring their own fouls, and thefe of 
others ; and in improvS^ Chrifl and the gofpel, as oc- 
cafions of their deeper damnation. Lord, my name is 
legion ; but with authority command the unclean fpirits 
to come out. 

15. They are reprefented as poor and wretched r- 
By fin they have loft every thing good : no fpiritual 
provifion have they of their own, to live upon : no 
money of good qualities or works, to procure any : no 
robe of righteoufnefs to cover them : no habitation to 
yield them a refidence or fhelter from the ftormof God's 
wrath: no true friend in the creation, to allifl or com- 
fort them ; they owe infinite debt, and have nothing t 
pay it: they are polluted and mifchievotis : cannot ceaf 
"« Prov» i. 22. 4 Luke XV, J?» JNIaith. ::ii 43,. t Rev. iiL »7 



Of metaphors respect' rig wicked men. 19* 

from fin : nor are they one moment" unexpofed to inex- 
preilibie and endlefs wo. Aitonifhiag grace of our 
Lord Jefus, that tho' he was rich, yet, for our fakes, he 
beams poof; that we through his poverty might be- 
come rich ! 

1 6. They are reprefented ~s dee tors a Never do, 
nor can they, in the lead degree, render unto God. the 
debt, of perfect obedience they owe to his law; nor even 
the debt of gratitude they owe, for his mercies : hereby 
they fall under a debt of infinite fatisfaction to his of- 
fended jaftice. An ! how they deny, excufe, or exte- 
nuate, their debt ! How they hate their all-glorious 
Creditor ! How they abhor ; how they ftudy to fhi-ft, 
and forget, their account ; and the future, the folemn, 
feafons of reckoning ; their death ; their eternal judge- 
ment ! How ready every moment to be clapt up in the 
prifon of hell! And yet ah ! how merciiefs to thefe 
who injure them ! Lord, haft thou forgiven me ten thou- 
fand talents! mall not I love thee much ! 

17. They are reprefented as WEAK and without 
strength b* They cannot think a good thought ; can- 
not fpeak a gracious word ; nor perform an acceptable 
deed : they cannot work out their ownjiappinefs : they 
cannot cry, nor breathe, nor look to Jefus, for his pur- 
chafed falvation : they cannot take hold of his ilrength, 
and make peace with him : they cannot receive it, when 
offered, nor even ceafe from rejecting it .* in fine, they 
cannot ceafe to do evil, or learn to do well. Lord, 
without thee, I can do nothing; let my fufiiciency be 
of God. 

18. They are reprefented as blind c. They fee not 
the light of life; diicern not the bun of righteoumefs; 
have no true knowledge of fpiritual objects : nothing is 
nearer them than God and his unfpeakable gift, and 
their own heart; yet nothing is Jefs known. Ah, how fc oft 
they Humble and fall into (in, without any proper caufei 
How conftantly they wander out of their proper courfe, 
and midead thefe who follow theai ! How ufelefs is the 
cleareft difpenfation of the gofpel to them ! How utter- 
ly deftitute are they of all true comfort ! How oft given 

& Matth. xyiil. 24. b Rom. v. 6. c Rev-iii. 17. 



194 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

up to judicial and eternal darknefs ! Lord, open thou 
mine eyes, that I may fee wondrous things out of thy 
law. 

19. They are reprefented as naked a. They have 
no law- fulfilling righteoufnefs, to cover them before 
God ; no inward grace ; no holy conversation to adorn 
them ; no fpiritual armour to defend themfelves from 
their foes. Hence, how perpetually expofed to the 
cold, the tempeft, the flroke of divine wrath ! to the 
flings of their own confcience ! to the injuries of fin, of 
finners, of devils, and death ! How fhumefully the fil- 
thinefs of their heart daily difcovers itfelf in their prac- 
tice ! How unfit for every holy duty ; for every ho- 
nourable company ! When I was thus naked, how, 
Lord, didft thou array me in fine linen, clean, and white, 
which is the righteoufnefs of the faints ! 

20. They are reprefented as slothful sluggards b. 
How averfe to their proper work ! How prone to delay 
it, and excufe themfelves from it, with very trifles ! 
How averfe to have their confcience awakened and ex- 
cited by the word, the Spirit, or the providence of God .' 
How they walle precious time, in doing nothing, or 
worfe ! Wife indeed, they are in their own conceit, and 
faintly defirous of happinefs, as they fancy it ; but their 
languid attempts never ifiue in the change of their na- 
ture and flate : their hearts they neither keep nor cul- 
tivate : their talents and opportunities they never im- 
prove for the glory of God, or their own real good : and 
how oft by mere fhadows and fancies of difficulty; are 
they difcou raged, from following out the appearance of 
any thing fubflantial ! Lord, how oft have I, while 
flarving, hici my hand in my bofom; and would not 
brin?r it to my mouth, with the offered fuLnefs of thy 
Son'! 

21. They are reprefented as carnal and FLESHLY c. 
Ah, how they prefer the momentary concerns of their 
body, to the eternal of their foul ! Mow they attempt to 
nourifh and farisfy their foul, on outward enjoyments ! 
How fixed under the reigning power of indwelling fin ; 
and given to makeprovifion for the flefh, to fulfil the lulls 

a Rev. Hi. 17, it. i Prov. vi. 6. c i Cor. ii. J4. 






Of metaphors refpe&ing wicked men, 195 

thereof! How given to flefhly lufts, that they know 
nothing, enjoy nothing, love nothing, feek nothing, but 
the things of the nefh ! They are in the flefh, fixed in 
their corruption, as ft (late, and priion. They walk 
after the fkfh ; a£t from carnal, corrupt principles, 
motives, and ends ; and in a carnal and corrupt manner; 
taking delight in wickednefs, and proceeding from evil 
to worfe. They war after the flefh ; by carnal in- 
clinations is their zeal, theirr contention, influenced and 
directed ; and by carnal methods they profecute their 
purpofe. No wonder, they that are in the ftefh cannot 
pleale God. 

22. They are called Strangers a. They are Gran- 
gers to God; to the true knowledge of him in Chrift ; to 
the fear and love of him; to his converting grace, and 
faving fellowship. Strangers to Chrift, in his perfon, na- 
tures, offices, righteoufnefs, and work : flrangers to the 
way of peace, life, and falvation, through him; to faith 
in, love to, and fellowfhip with him : Grangers to the 
Holy Ghofl in his perfon ; in hi? work of regeneration, 
fanciification, and comfort ; in his graces of hope, humi- 
lity, repentance, refignation, zeal, felt-denial : ltrangers 
to themfelves, to their^own hearts, and the finful plagues 
thereof; to their own lives, and the defects and abo- 
minations thereof: ltrangers to the nature, the ex- 
ceeding finfulnefs, the deceitfulnefs, and ruinous confe- 
quences of fin ; and to the only method of atonement 
and purification from it: and, in fine, ltrangers to the 
gofpel, the truths, the ways, and people of God. Let 
me blefs the Lord, who took the flranger in, and ac- 
quaint myfelfnow with him, that thereby good may 
come unto my foul. 

23. They are reprefented as tjncircumcised in heart, 
in flefh, and ears b. Never were they pricked to the 
heart for fin; never was its filthinefs difcovered, or hard 
nefs removed ! never were they filled with fhame and 
felf-lothing on account of it; never did they renounce 
their own righteoufnefs, or put off the body of -fin ; ne- 
ver were they taught by the grace of God to deny un- 
godlinefs and worldly lulls ; to abftain from flelhly lulls, 

a Ezek. xliv. 9, b Ezek. xliv. 9. Acts nu 5*. 



196 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

that war againft the foul ; but continue carnal, fa- 
vouring and minding the things of the flefh, walking 
and warring after it; tnifting in carnal and outward pri- 
vileges ; never were their ears fpiritually opened to 
hearken and he?.r, that their foul might live. Circum- 
cife my heart, O Jefus, to love thee : to hate thee is my 
faddfft hell. 

24. They are reprefented as otjtgasts and far orr 
from God a. Naturally they are rejected, by him; driven 
from his intimacy, favour, and protection. They are 
fufiainedas abominable; expofed to all evil and danger, 
no man cares for their foul. The multitude of their 
finful inclinations and ads, do more and more feparate 
them from communion with, and conformity to God. Let 
the Lord that gathereth the outcafts of lirael, gather me 
to himfelf. 

25. They are compared to new-born infants, caft out, 
and lying in their blood b. In their earlieft moments, 
they are rejected of God, as altogether guilty and loath- 
fome in his fight. How univerfally untitled ; unhelped ! 
How unable to help themftlves, or to afk for relief! How 
covered with the guilt-! how (rained with the filth of 
fin How they wallow in their own blood, in the mire 
of filthy lufts! their heart, their mind, their conference, 
their whole ccurfe, being defiled. How devoid of tiie 
f of grace ! What ilrangers to the purifying influence 
of Jefus' blood and Spirit .' How oellitute of the warm- 
ing, the adorning, the itrengthening, the protecting robts 
of his nghteoufnefs ! Thrice flupendous time of love, 
when he round me lying in my blood, quickened me by 
his Spirit, decked mt with his garments of falvatiOB, and 
efpoufed me to himfelf! 

26 The y are reprefented as lost and ready toperifhe. 
How deftitute oi every agretable privilege ! of every 
ufek 1 qualification, which can tend to the glory of God, 
or ti: i» own felicity! how incapable of everj £,ood 
ana ufeful work I How they wander in the wildernefs 
of \ inity ! of d'ai gei an wo ! Ah ! how th*y drown in 
the hone's of th« divine curfe) in the pit of corruption! 
ana zn . tit vei point < - . m to eternal fire ! 

a Isa. ]vi, 8. b Leek, Kvi, 4, 5. c Lulx six. io. Isa, xxvij. 13, 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men. 197 

On thy head, O Jefus, for ever come the blefling of one 
ready to perifh ; for I obtained mercy. 

27. They are reprefented as servants of fin a. For 
the wretched hire of carnal honour, favour pleafure^ 
or gain, how willingly they fell themfelves to commit 
w'ickednefs ! How they chafe; they delight in it! and 
make it their daily trade, and darling employ ! How 
conflantly under the reigning, the enflaving power of 
it ! With what unwearied vigour and care, they daily 
promote the lufis of it ! How they entangle their feed, 
and debafe themfelves to fulfil the lulls of it ! And 
in the end receive death and damnation, as their wa- 
ges. O Son of God, make me free ; and I fhall be free 
indeed. 

28. They are reprefented as rebels b. Contrary 
to their duty, to their folemn engagements, they rife 
up againft God; at their own inexpreffible hazard 
oppofe his interefts, attempt to undo his glory and au- 
thority, and to opprefs and ruin fuch as are faithful 
to him. Ah ; how many of them rebel againft the 
light, fight againft their own confcience, defpife his 
pardon, and crucify his Son. Did he nevertheless re- 
ceive gifts from men ! yea for the rebellious! Is the 
gift of God to rebellious me, eternal life, through Jefus 
Chrifl my Lord ! 

29. They are called captives and slaves c. How 
deftitute of all fpiritual liberty! How conquered and re«« 
duced to bondage, by fin, Satan, and the world ! How- 
fold into their hand, by their own inclinations, and by the 
awful juftice of God! How wrathfully ftript of every true 
privilege ! of all fpiritual armour! of every decent robe! 
How loaded with the yoke of a broken law! of opprefiivQ 
guilt! of tyrannizing corruption! and of wrathful af- 
flictions ! How conflantly employed in the vile drud- 
gery of fufilling abominable lulls ! Lord, may the prey 
be taken from- the mighty, and the lawful captive be 
delivered. 

30. They are reprefented as prisoners d. Ah ! how 
ths offended jullice of God, the curfe of his broken law, 

a John viii. 34. b P^aJ. Ixviii. 18. s Isa, xlix, 24. 

d Zech. ix. 11, 12, 

R 



13,8 SACBED TROPOLOGY. 

the ruinous power of fin and Satan, the.ckceiving influ- 
cnceof an evil world, fix them in their iiuful, their mifer- 
able efiate! Hew fhamefully th.-ir condition marks their 
infamous guilt! How bound with the cords cf iniquity ! 
deprived of the light, the warmth, of the Sun of righte- 
oufuefa! and of every true comfort ! How fhamefully 
lodged with malefaclois! with devils! with infamous men! 
How devoid of all true honour, reft, or freffe air of divine 
influence! How charged with guilt! Iniquities teflify a- 
gaitjft them, and procure their condemnation to hell. In 
what terrible torment, darknefs> and perplexity are they, 
if mercy prevent not, to. be for ever (hut up! Are their 
prefent enjoyments litre any more, but the accurfed 
bread of the condemned ? As for me, hath God, by the 
blood of the covenant, brought me out of the pit, where- 
in there is no water ! 

31. They are rtprefented as sick and DISEASED a, , 
Under what mocking plagues of hardneis of heart; 
of ignorance, of unbelief, legality, pride ; of worldly 
mindednefs, coveteoufnefs, discontentment ; of envy, 
malice; of flupidity, vain conveifation, and wretched 
eflote ; they lie infennble of their maladies, and un- 
concerned about Chrift the phyfician of louls ! Let him 
who hath power over all plagues heal me ; for 1 am 
fore vexed. 

32. They are reprefentfd as dead b. Bythc power 
of fin, how defiitute of fpiritnal life ! of all holy, ail u - 
ward warmth of divine love! How devoid of every hea- 
venly, every gracicus fenfation ! How incapable to fee 
the glory oi Chrill, hear his voice, handle his per (on, 
tafte his gooduefs, breathe in prayer, fpeak to his praife, 
or move in his way ! How ui, comedy, lothfome, ard 
unfavoury ! Mew fokmniy condemned to, and ripe for 
hell ! Ncr can any thing, O Jehovah, but thy almigh- 
ty power, recover and quicken them who are dean in 
Utfp'lLs and fins. Ah, hew my wandering, out of the 
way, has made me remain in the congregation of the 
dead ! 

^7 t . They are coir pared to Ethiopians c. How fecrch- 
ed with the wrath of God! How altogether black, vile, 
• Isa, i. 3, — 6. *Eph. ii. 1. 1 Jer. Xiii. 2?. 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men, 199 

and unfightly, before him! How deep ftained with fin ! 
How incapable to warn themfelves into parity! to change 
their nature ! How oft, by felf- righteous attempts, have 
I warned my felf into vilenefs \ O Jefus, wafh me in thy 
blood, and make me white as fnow. 

34. They are compared to Canaanites.'?. For the 
fin of their progenitor, they lie under a grievous curfe. 
For their wickednefs againfl God, they are devoted to 
rain, for carnal gain, how difpofed to deceive others, 
my, to put on an appearance of piety ! Ah ! how they 
fedtice, hate, and harrafs the people of God, and fsek t> 
extirpate them from the world! 

35. They are compared to pregnant women b. Ah, 
how they conceive, carry about, nonrifh, and with inex- 
preflible.l-ibonr and hazard, bring forth fia, that child of 
the devil ! How wretchedly they conceive chaff, and 
bring forth ftubble, what is altogether unfubltarv'nal, and 
may conduce to their eternal torment! Conceive vanity 
and raifchief, and bring forth falfehood ! Conceive re- 
bellion againfl God, and bring forth to themfelves end- 
lefs deftruclion ! Ah, ah, how laboured is their s?~y to 
ruin! How their curfed offspring are for ever like to 
wafte and torment the mother that brought them forth ! 

36. They are compared to beasts ensnared in a pit 
or net c* How oft are they caught by the net of temp- 
tation, that they cannot recover themfelves ! How oft 
enfnared and ruined by the projefts they contrived, and 
execute to undo others ! How oft caught by Gcd in the 
net of afHiftion, where, though they roar and rage, they 
do but the more entangle themfelves ! 

37. They are compare l to ravenous beasts >l. The 
wildernefs of a natural flate is their nfidence. The wil- 
dernefs of this world is their beloved country. How un- 
tamed by Jefus' love ! How delighted ! how employed iu 
hurting and deflroying one another, but c'~;Lrly the peo- 
ple of God ! Their horns, their teeth, their paws, and 
mouth, fignify their power, and the inftruments of their 
noil chief. 

38. They are compared to EAGLES*?. How high- 

« Zech.xiv.2r. b Psal. vii. 14. <• Psal. vii. 15. Isa. viii 15. 
d Isa. xxxv, 8. e Lam. iv. 19. Micaii, i. 16. 

K 1 



2C0 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

minded! How ambitious ; finny ; fubtile ! How cruel ; 
contentious ; uncomely ! How unacceptable the voice 
of their prayer, their praife ! their vain and wicked con- 
verfe ! How terrible their abufe cf their power! How 
great their halte tc Tried blood ! to feed on their neigh- 
bours torn character and property ! and to do mifchief I 
But though they exalt themfelves as eagles, God (hall 
bring them down; and by dripping them of what they 
have, (hall enlarge their baldncfs as the moulted eagle. 

39. They are compared to owls, and other hateful 
birds «. Ah! hew the darknefs of ignorance, the night 
of their natural itare, is the delight of their foul ! How 
abominable to God are their perfon, appearance, and 
fpeech! Flowdetelied of holy angels and men! 

40. They refemble silly doves withouc heart 3. 
Under trouble and conviction the 7 have no folid hope of 
deliverance. They cannet ferioufly think of, or care for 
their true interefi. How oft they build their neft, their 
hope, where difappointment formerly deprived them of 
their fruit! How eaiily decoyed into finful fnares ! By 
Tomking tsoa their proper reiidcnce, liovv they cXpofe 
themfelves to danger ! And how mall they mourn fore 
like doves a mid ft endiels wo: 

41. They are compared to patridges, that hatch not 
their eggs c. What unfubftantial imaginations, that ne- 
ver fucceed, they devife ! What hopes of hsppinefs ne- 
ver enjoyed, they conceive ! What hard gained poflcT- 
fions, profit them nothing, in the day of trouble and 
death! How hunted by the vengeance of God, and taken 
in an evil net ! Ah, what bubbles of felicity has my fan- 
cy formed, which perifhed with the touch! Sure an im- 
mortal fpirit was never made for work like this. 

42. They, chiefly tyrants, are compared to lions d. 
How potent! proud ! crafty! cruel! How fierce and in- 
fatiable in oppoling the intereit, and harrafling and de- 
ftroying the people of Chriit ! How they affeel their 
earthly, their fiuful dens ! How outragioufly they roar 
in proud boafting ! in murmuring againft God and in 
reproaching and threatening his people ! Lord, tame me, 

a IsatXliii. 20. * FIoscji vii. 11, aivl xi. n. 

H Jcr. K'.ii. «C>Ol)glV. %. 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men. 20 1 

atnd make me lie down with thy lambs, and eat ftraw, 
feed on thy word, as thy ex-like, patient, and laborious 
faints. 

43. They are likened to leopards a. How fpotted 
with various corruptions, is their heart and life i How 
fubtile, pitylefs, and expeditious, in doing mifchief ! 
efpecially in perfecuting and ruining the innocent faints! 
How they wait for them ! fwallow them up ' chop their 
bones in pieces, and tear oft their nefli ! Break, thou 

their teeth, their means of injury, O God, 

44. They are likened to reems, which our vcriion 
renders unicorns h. How great their pow T er, courage^ 
craft, and activity in deftroying others ! O Jefus, did 
fuch furround,pufh, and devour thee, that my foul might 
be for ever refcued ! that in every pinching 11 rait, God 
might hear me ! 

45. They are called bears ; boar? ; and wild beads 
c. How unfightly is their appearance before God ! What 
a terror to good men! How ileepy and flothful; but 
hard to be tamed ! How they delight in the cold defert 
of diftance from God and his people ! Whatever feeming 
regard, they fometimes have for one another ; how out- 
ragioufly they hate God, maliciouQy tear his name, his 
ordinances, and people, and wafte the vineyard of his 
church ! How enraged, when bereaved of their darling 
enjoyments ; or defeated in their beloved projects ! Bet- 
ter meet a bear bereaved of her whelps, which can only 
tear the body, than meet a fool in his folly. 

46. They are compared to dragons d. How they 
fnufF up the wind -of vain imaginations | How they love 
the wildernefs of an evil world, and unregenerate flate! 
How cruelly they hate, bite, and devour the people of 
God! How malicioufly, chiefly in the night of riefertion, 
affliction, perfecution. apoftacy, they by their breath of 
falfe doctrine, fling of poifonous example, ruin and de- 
ftroy the fouls of men ! A.nd how terrible ihall be their 
wailing in hell ! 

47. They are compared to horses and TED horses e. 
How great their pride and vanity ! With whatoutragi- 

b Psal. xxih 22. c Prov. xvii. 12. Psal. lxxx. 14* 
d Isa. xliii. 20. «Jer. v. 8. 



3C2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

ous boldnefs, and unconcern, they haftily rufli upon in- 
finite danger !"How governed ; how enraged by their va- 
rious and openfiefhly luffs ! In profperity, how wanton- 
ly they kick at, and rebel againft God ! How fhamelefs- 
ly they neigh, and invite others to abomination ! 

48. They are compared to wild ASSES and dromeda- 
ries a. How pleafed with the mountains o v f vanity, the 
deferts of alienation from God! How given to fnufFup, 
and delight in vain fancies, unfubflantial felf-righteouf- 
nefs, and airy delufion ! How hard to be tamed in fpirit! 
How fwift ! how crooked and unfearchable their mo- 
tions ! But, Lord, in thy feafon, thou canft find us ; till 
which, miniiters and parents do but weary themfelves, 
in queft of our foul, 

49. They are compared to bulls; fat bullocks; 
"Wild bulls ; bulls or KINE of Bafhan b. How oft 
they enjoy great power and profperity, which they a- 
bufe to render themfelves proud, ftupid, wanton ! How 
eft they drive to be ringleaders in fin ! Governed by 
furious lulls, how they pum with tongue and hand, with 
fide and fhoulder, with all means in their power, at thefe 
around ; chiefly the faints and poor, that they may 
harrafs and deftroy them! How unaccuftomed to fubmit 
to, and walk under the yoke of God's law! How fear- 
lefs in doing evil ! How necelTarily, but unwillingly re- 
trained by his providence ! How they rage or remain 
unconcerned, when he fmites them ! How hard to be 
tamed by conviction or diflrefs ! And how ready and fit 
for the slaughter of his wrath ! Ye wicked, lift not your 
horn of power and authority on high : God is judge, he 
pulls down one, and fets another up. 

50. They are compared to sheep c. How ftupid I 
how thoughtlefs! how improvident! howexpofed to dan- 
ger ! how deitined for the {laughter of divine wrath ! 
They are loft fheep, which having wandered from God, 
cannot return to him; and for whofc foul no man cares; 
ready to be torn to pieces, to be overwhelmed with the 
h ul-ftorm of God's wrath. They are like EURIED SHEEP^ 
in multitudes, without anfwering the end of their ra- 

< J. r. ii. 33, 24. b Psa! xxii. 1 2. Ezefc. xxxiv, io t —^l* 

Ainos iv. I, — 3- c fsal. xlix. 14, 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men. . 203 

tional nature, they die amid hopelelTaefs and carnal un- 
concern, that death and damnation may devour and feed 
upon therm Nor does their unhappy exit more awaken, 
or imprefs their hardened relations, and neighbours, 
than that of fli^ep. 

51. They are calied goats a. How unclean, naufe- 
ous, and abominable ! How covetous, mifenievous, and 
infatiable ! Upon what poifonous luits and pleafure, they 
feed! Ah, how they injure Chri-ft's hheep, and fpoil the 
paftnres of his ordinances ! Now, indeed, they herd with 
the faints ; but quickly fhall they be fepajate, arid doom- 
ed to eternal fire. 

52. They are compared to SWINE b. How unclean 
their nature and practice ! How dull, (lupid, and infati- 
able ! How incapable of chewing their cud; of fpiritual 
meditation on divine things ! How milchievous to the 
garden and church of God, and to his plants and chil- 
dren therein ! How averfe to be ftirred up from their 
fpiritual deep and (loth ! How powerfully inclined to 
wallow in linful practices and carnal pleafures ! and to 
return to them after they have been convinced of, and 
purpofed to leave them ! How conftantly they look to, 
and feek after earthly things ! How wickedly they 
trample on Jefus, and his precious bleffiags ! How 
hideouily they murmur, and fometimes roar, when God 
amicus them ! 

$3. They are compared to dogs c. How bafe ; filthy; 
fooliih ! How idle ; unruly fierce ! How cruel ; greedy ; 
gluttonous, of linful and carnal pleafure ! How oft they 
bark out angry words and reproachful language ! How 
unfeafonably they bite and injure their neighbours foul, 
their bod)*" and intereil ! How they deceive them by 
fawning flattery ! How flavifhly they trudge in attend- 
ance on Satan their mafter! How oft they return to 
thefe very abominations, which, with icmorfe, they once 
vomit up \ How oft God reftrains them from their in- 
clined mifchief! How wifely he employs them to correct 
awaken, and gather his people to himfelf ! How wish- 
fully he excludes them from his chambers of fpuituai 
fellowship ; and at lad from bis heavenly maolions of 
* Matth. xxv, 32. b 2 Pet, ii, 22. c Rev. xxii. 15- 



2©4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

bill's f In what riches of grace haft thou, Lord, looked 
upon fach a vile, a dead dog, as I am ! 

54. They are compared to foxes a. How cruel, craf- 
ty, and bold in tranfjreflion ! How proud, ftupid, an<$ 
hardened under afn ction ! They cry not, when he 
pierceth and bindeth them. How they truft, delight, 
and repofe ia earthly things ! How unfavoury, and un- 
acceptable, their perfon and work ! How crooked and 
irregular their paths ! How wickedly they hate, and 
feek to devour, the fheep of Jefus' piflure ! How fadly 
they fpoil the vineyard of his church, by diverting and 
flopping the fap of goipel-truth, by digging up the roots 
of infpired dcclrines, and otherwife injuring his tender 
faints ! 

55. They are compared to vipers ; asps; scorpions ; 
serpents ; and what our verfion renders cockatrices b. 
Of Satan the old ferpent they are the genuine feed ; they 
rJelight in, and are filled with the poifon of fin under- 
neath their tongue is mifchief and vanity. How they 
love, efteem, and cleave to earthly happinefs, as their 
portion their all ! However beautiful, fome of their 
outward appearance be ; how wicked and mifchievious 
are they within ! With what violence they bite and de- 
rour others ! Or with what flattery they fling and fe- 
duce them to their eternal ruin ! In trouble, chiefly in 
hell, how fhul their voice go forth as a ferpent in angry 
hiffing, and defperate wailing over their mifery. O may 
grace rectify my dreadful nature ! 

36. They are compared to spiders c. How afpiring 
and ambitious ! How weak, and eafily crushed ! How 
full of envenomed corruption .' What crafty enfnarers 
of others to their ruin ! How unprofitably employed, to 
fpin out of their own bowels, their vain imaginations j 
their fclf-righteoufnefs ; or their unfolid, unblefled, 
earthly enjoyments ! What, Lord, am I, that with my 
hands of faith, I fhould take hold, and live in thy royal 
palaces ! 

57 They are likened to bad fishes d. How nume- 
rous ! How ftupid ! ufelefs ! unfavoury ! How mif- 

a Luke xii. 32. b M:rtth. iii. 7. Psal. Iviii. 4 ha. xi, 8 c Isa. lix. s- 
i Maith, J.UU 47>— 49. 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men t 2o5 

ehievous, and hurtful ! Even in outward life, how un- 
fightly fome of them ! How irregular their moral courfe! 
How anxious to bring up their feed like themfelves • 
Now, they range through the wide fea of this unfettled 
world ■ but quickly (hall they be drawn out by the net 
of God's wra'h, and call into endl?fs fire. 

58. They are likened to trees, and trees OF THK 
Wood «. Whatever height of profeflion, power, or pros- 
perity, they attain to ; they ftill remain in the cold, the 
unculcivatc, barren foil of their unregenerate ftate. How 
much lefs cared for by God, than the faints ! What a 
fearful haunt of wild lulls, and mifchievous fiends ! How 
barren of good works ! Their deeds, how four, finful, 
unprofitable, and poifonous ! How ealily are they blown 
and toffed by temptation, delufion, perfecution ! Ah, 
twice dead ! Naturally dead in trefpafles and fins ; dead 
with habitual and prefumptious rebellion, and the hard- 
ening and condemning curfe annexed to it ! At laft with 
the axe of death, how wratbfully cut down, and call into 
hell fire ! 

59. They are likened to green bay trees h. How 
mightily they flourifh and fpread their influence on earth! 
But, becaufe devoid of ufefui fruit, how quickly cut 
down by mortality, and call into the furnace of God's 
wrath! 

60 . They are likened to barren fig trees c. How- 
ever extenfive their leaves of profeflion, their pretences 
to hoiinefs be where is their fruit of true piety ? What- 
ever pains and patience, God exercife towards them, 
they are but plagues to the earth, and cumberers of the 
church. Lord Jefus, how many years didit thou come 
feeking fruit on me, and find none ! Yet how ftill let me 
alone, and dig and dung about me ! 

61 . They are compared to an oak, whofe leaf fadeth d. 
However tall, llrong; and deep rooted on earth, they may 
feem; however they attempt to monopolize the fap of 
the ground, thefmiles of providence, quickly mail their 
glory wither and fade ; quickly mail they periih and de- 
cay. Be thou, my foul, planted iri the Ghrift, in the courts 

o 
tfRev.vii. 3. Songii. 3. k I'sal. xxxvii, 35, *Luke xiii.6— 9. rflsa.MQ. 



206 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

of God ; fo in old age, -when others fade, malt thou flour- 
ifh; the flame (hall never kindle upon thee. 

62. Tney are like unto wild olives a' Upon what 
curfsd root, and in what wild defertof diftance and alie- 
nation from God, they grow ! Amid their bloflbms of 
profperity, or profeflion of holinefs, where is their good 
fruit How long, ye Gentile nations, were you as a wild 
olive, amid (hews of morality and devotion, living in 
ignorance, fupervl ition, idolatary, profanenefs ; without 
true knowledge, revelation, righteoufnefsj without Chri it, 
without God, and without hope in the world ! 

63. They are compared to empty and BARREN VINES b. 
Notwithfr^nding of innumerable mercies received, living 
deft'tute of any good fruit of grace, or work intended to 
the glory of God, they are altogether unprofitable ; fit 
only for everlalling fire. Ah ! what an empty vine am 
I, bringing forth fruit to myfelf ; feeking my own hon- 
our, eafe, wealth, or pleifure, in almoft all I do ! After 
all the pains God has been at with me, in foftening my 
ftony heart, in hedging me about, with his law, pro- 
vidence, and love , in building a wine-prefs of a graci- 
ous nature in me ! and in watering me with the dew of 
heaven ; ftill, what four grapes of abomination I yield. 

64 They are likened to bkamblks; Brie.hSj and 
thorns c. The barren foil of tiiia world, and of an un- 
converted Mate, is their beloved refidence. How naugh- 
ty ! how cur fed of God, are they, and their work ! How 
they fpoil, corrupt, and trouble the world \ How low 
and grovelling their difpofition ! However God, for a 
while, make hedges of them to his church, yet in the end 
he will caft them into the tremendous fire of his wrath. 

65. They are repreftnted as TARES d. Sown by Sa- 
tan, in the night of time, chiefly of carnal l'ecui ity, a- 
mong the people of God, in the field of his church, and 
world, how oft fomewhat like them ! How ladly the 
mixture of hypocrites mar the growth ot the faints ! 
How impofli_>ir, now, to fep-crate them exc&ly ; but at 
tiie end it lh ill be done, and the tares cait, by multi- 
tudes, into eternal wo. 

a R^ti. xi. 17. b Hosea x. i. Ezok. xv. $ Isa. Iv 13. 

Sod^ ii. 1. <*Matth, xui. .15. • 



Cf metaphors respecting wicked men, 207 

66. They are compared to FLOURISHING grass, or 
grass on houfe-tops a. How quickly they grow up! 
How oft they flaurim in prosperity ! in luce is in fin ! 
nay, fometimes in religious proftfrtori ! But how quickly- 
cut down and ruined ! Atnidft their lofty and fair pre- 
tences, how unfubftantial ! How infignificant in the hand 
of the all-cutting; mower, death! How quickly the blad- 
ing wind of nffliclion, or the flames of Tophet, fhall wi- 
ther and confume them ! Planted ia|Chrift, rooted and 
grounded in him, grow, my foul, as grafs by the water- 
courfes. So (hall I never fade ; death mall fill his hand 
with me; they that go bj, fhall blefs me. 

67. They are compared to a root of bitterness b. 
How firmly j how fecretly fixed in their fin ml ftate I 
What bitter foil of a broken covenant, an eftate of fin 
and wrath, they ftand in ! What bitter juice of corrup- 
tion is within them ! How difagreeable their qualities 
and difpofitions ! What bitter; what gal i and worm- 
wooJ-iike fruit ! What deftru&ive and damning works 
ate produced by them ! How many are poifoned, vexed, 
or tormented, by their means ! O Ghrift, with what 
furpaffing fweetnefs,haft thou fvveetened me, the bitterelt 
of my race ! 

68 They refemble bad FIGS f. Flow corrupt : difa- 
greeable; ufelefs ! Yielding neither pleafure nor honour 
to God ; nor profit to men ! 

69. They are compared to a sweeping rain d» 
What a plague to the world ! How they difturb the in- 
habitants, and deftroy the mercies thereof ! How fud- 
denly fhall themfelves be buried, and hifrrry one another 
into the ocean of infinite wrath ! 

7c They are compared to waters; floods; a 
fountain ; .he sea ; the troubled sea e. How great 
their multitude! their power! their diforder! their 
pride and arrogsney ! their reftlefs difquiet ! their noily 
rage and threatening to devour others ! their perpetual 
caiVmg forth abominable practices, monftrous opinions, 
unnallowed focieties. and horrid forms of government ! 

a Psal. xci ; . 7, and exxix. 6. b Heb. xii. 15. c Jer. xxiv. 2. 

d Piov. xxvjii. 3, r Psal. xviii, 4. , Iiev. vii. 3. lsa, Ivii. iU 



2o8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

They are called the earth, and men of the 
a. How carnally minded ! In this world, they 
their portion, and upon it their heart is fixed. 

*♦ .ever they do is from carnal and earthly principles, 

and to carnal and earthly ends. 

72. They are compared to mountains and hills b. 
How fixed in wickednefs ! How oft apparently firm their 
Hate on earth ! How they abound in power and pride, 
that Omnipotence alone can lay them low ! How bar- 
ren and unfruitful ! How vain refuges, to fueh as trufl 
in them ! How they (land in the way of God's coming 
to blefs the earth ! How difagreeable to a fpiritual eye, 
they render it ! At laft, how overturned with the earth- 
quake, enflamed with the fire, and overwhelmed with 
the flood of Almighty wrath ! 

73. They are reprefented as dry ground, and a GAR- 
DEN without water c Ah, how dry ! how hardened! 
how withered their foul .' How barren their heart and 
practice! How the feed of infpi red oracles, and the 
warming rays of profperity, are loft upon them, and 
become to them a favour of death unto death ! Lord 
Jefus, am not I fuch, except thou water me every mo- 
ment ? 

74. They are compared to marishes or miry places d. 
What mixtures of fouring corruption and filthinefs are 
in them ! How dangerous trufting to, or clofe intimacy 
with them ! How unfit for receiving the word and Spi- 
rit of God ! How four, difagreeable, and hurtful, what 
the produce ! How oft are they finally given up to the 
fait of a reprohate fenfe ; and of endlefs damnation ! 

75. They, chiefly harlots, are compared to SNARES, 
NETS, pits, and ditches e. How dangerous is fellowihip 
with them ! How they entice to ruinous crimes ! How 
hardly can thefe, enfnared into familiar intimacy with 
them, recover therofelves ; but wallow in wickednefsj 
and (ink towards everhifting mifery ! 

76. They, chiefly hypocrites, are compared to WHITED 
fepulchres, or walls'. What fplendor, and pretence 

« Rev. ' ii 3. b. Isa. xli. 15. c Isa. i. 30. d Ezek. xh'ii. n, 

t Prov. xxiii, 27. /Matth. xxiii. 27. Acts xxiii. 3. 



Of metaphors respecting' wicked men, 209 

to purity, may appear in their outward ftation and con- 
dud ! But what bafe ; what uncomely ; what abomina- 
ble, and peftilential iniquity, reigns in their fecret prac- 
tice and heart ! 

77. They are reprefented as God's HAND; rod j 
sword; AXE; hammer; bow a. By them, how oft ; 
how fearfully he corrects his people; and punilhes his 
enemies ! How abfurd, for thefe inftrumerits of his ven- 
geance, to lift upthemfelves to his dishonour ! And how 
oft, after his work i& performed by them, doth he call 
them into temporal and eternal rmfery I 

78. They are compared to brass, iron, tin, lead b. 
In different degrees, how thej' abound with corruption I 
How hardened in wickednefs ! How worthless and naugh- 
ty ! How proper to be call into the furnace of infinite 
wrath! Lord, melt me in thy love ; and remove all my 
naughtinefs ! 

79. They are compared to dross and Scum e. Are 
they not altogether unworthy ? The filth ; the pollution _; 
the difgrace ofmankind; of nations, cities, churches, and 
families ? As what an abominable and naughty thing, 
ihrdl God call them out of his light, into the pit of end* 
lei's wo, after feparating them from the godly ! 

80. They, chiefly hypocrites, are compared to LUKE- 
WARM water, and a caiie not turned d. How oft they 
mingle the true religion with a bad ! Have a profeffion, 
without true grace or good works! Warmed and roafted 
with his favours and judgments, they turn not to God f 
nor conlider their ways. Hence how nauieons to him! 
and to every truly exercifed faint ! 

81. They are compared to fire-brands ; things SET 
on FIRE; a fiery oven e. How given to ftrife and 
contention ! How the fire of malice and luff rages in them ! 
What means of kindling the wrath of God, in nations, 
churches, and families ! How oft his judgments torment 
and burn them down to the lowefthell ! How, there, {hall 
his wrath kindle, and burn them for ever ! What flames 
of hatred, ftrife, and pafiion, do contentious perfons in- 

a Isa. x» and xiv. Psal, xvii. 13, 14. b Ezek. xxii. 18. Tsa. i- 2*. 
jc Ezek. xxii. 18. and xxiv. 13. d Rev, ni. j<5, 4 Pjryy. vi. z"}% 

Psal. vii. 4, — 7, 

s 



SfO SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

dulge in themfelves, and kindle in others ! How harlots* 
with their luftful dalliances, enflame their companions, 
and burn them quick to eternal fire ! 

82. They are aflimilate to burning fat of lambs a. 
What fudden, teriible, and near deftruction, awaits them ! 
And mall not all the earthly abundance and felicity, pro- 
mote and enhance their ruin ? 

83. Unconverted men are compared to DRY BONES b. 
No fpiritual fap, no remote fource of grace, no hope of 
eternal life ; no might to revive and recover themfelves 
have they : nor can any creature affift them herein. But, 
Come from the four wind^, O breath, O divine Spirit, 
in thy diverfified influence; quicken them ; bring them 
out of their graves of lull, condemnation, and wc. 

84. They are compared to tow c. Kow weak and 
infignificant ! How eafily crufhed ! How readily enflamed 
and cenfumed with the fire of God's wrath ! Stupendous ! 
am I, notwithftanding, pluckt out of the burning ! 

85.. They are likened to a moth-eaten garment^. 
How quickly; and by what contemptible means, are 
they rendered ufelefs, unlightly, abominable ! How 
crufhed before the face of the moth ! How eafily the 
judgments of God wafte their perfon and property ! How 
eafily death gnaws them out of life ! cuts them cfF; and 
they are no more ! Fear them not, my foul ; be not a- 
fraid of their reviling ; for the moth mall eat them. 

86. They are compared to chaff e. While on earth, 
thzj grow up with, and clofcly adhere to the faints. 
How worthlefs ; how light, unsettled, and unconilant ! 
How fearfully do temporal troubles tofs them ! How 
quickly fhall death and judgment beat them off, and blow 
them iuto hell ! 

87. Unfaithful friends are like a brokzn tooth; 
and a foot out of joint/. They deceive, pain, vex, 
and torment him, who depends on, or is connected with 
1 : em. 

83. Deceitful friends are like a BROOK, whofe waters 
dry up^. What affiOance and comfort, we expecl: from 
them, difappoint us in the time of need. Thrice bleifed 

a peil. xxxvii. 20. b EzeK xxxvii. c Isa. i. 31. d Isa. li. 

fP8i).i<4' / Prov, xxv. 19. ^ Job vi, 15. 



Of metaphors respecting wicked men 2 1 1 

new-covenant Friend, never (halt thou pain or difappoint 
me; but be legs to the lame ; and rivers of water in a 
weary and dry land. 

89 . A falfe witnefs is compared toa maul, and swords. 
Ah, how he (labs, wounds, and murders his neighbour, 
in his perfon, chara&er, or property ! Lord Jefus, how 
oft am 1 fuch to thee ! 

90. He that^ruleth not his own fpirit is like a city 
Broken Dot^Kr, without walls b. How expofed to temp- 
tation, and danger ! How full of confuiion, corruption, 
and fear ! It is better my foul, to rule thyfelf, to keep 
quiet thy confcience, with the application of Jefus'hlood ; 
to govern thy heart, by his Spirit ; to order thy conver- 
fation by his word; to defend thyfelf by his ftrength ; 
than to take a city, or divide the fpoil. Hereby malt 
thou conquer Satan, the world, and thy corruptions ; 
and obtain folid fatisfaction and peace ; procure unfpeak- 
able and endlefs advantage. 

»^--*-.^(<!) ^^~«r- 
CHAP. IX. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING FAITHFUL MINISTERS. 

I. TpAITHFUL minifters are compared to angels c. 

-i- How d i (ting ui (lied their fpiritual comeiinefs ! 
their knowledge and wifdom ! their dignity, power, and 
authority ! By them God executes his Will, and pu- 
blishes his mind to men. With what pleafure, activity, 
readinefs, fubmiflion, and faithfulnefs, they unweariedly 
fulfil his commandment, praife his name, attend his throne 
of grace, pry into the myfteries of redemption, watch 
over, and comfort the faints ; and excite, and in their 
ftation concur with the other divine executors of God's 
judgments againft Antichriit ! But at their peril, do men 
expect, they fhould referable angels, in living on earth 
without fault ; without food. 

2. They correfpond to winged seraphims, attending 
an enthroned Redeemer, while the train of divine excel- 

« Prov. xxv. 1$. h Prov.xxv. 28. c Rev. i.20. 



212 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

lencies and influences fill the temple of his human nature 
and purchafed church a. They are fiery ones, are the 
light of the church, and burn with zeal tor the glory of 
God Their being in above, or near to the throne, fig- 
nifies their living near Jefus Chrift in fpiritual fellow- 
fhip with him, and pcfl effing the office next to him in 
the church. Their fix wings, import their emenint rea- 
dinefs, alacrity and fpeed in his fervice. Their cover- 
ing of their face and feet, import their ir.Wficiencj' to 
comprehend the bright glory of his per fon,* office, \tnd 
work ; and their being afbamed of their btil fer vices, in 
his fight. Their conitant crying, Holy* holy, holy, is 
the Lord of hofts, import;, that the great end of agofpel- 
miniitry is ro difplay the hoiinefs of God, and promote 
hoiinefs among men. The moving of the polls, at the 
found of their cry, denotes the fhaking of nations, 
trembling of confcier.ee, and melting of heart, which at- 
tend the preaching of .Chrift. The taking a live-coal 
from the aitar, and hying it upon the mouth of the con- 
victed prophet, for the purging away of his fin, iirplies, 
that Jeius' atonement applied, by means of the gefpcl- 
miniitry, quiets the conscience, and fan&ifies the heart. 
3. They refemble the four beasts in John's, and the 
cherubims, andLlviKG creatures in Ezekiel's vifion b. 
Their number Four, imports the fufficier.cy of them in 
every age, to anfwer the purpofes of God in all the ends 
of the earth. Their fulnefs of eyes within and without, 
imports their having a deep infight into fpiritual cafes, 
into the plagues of the heart, and the operation of the 
divine fpirit in it ; and into what God hath faid to, hath 
done, does, and will do, for the church ; and into her 
duty and danger in every cafe. It too, efpeciaily their 
eyes in their hands and wings, import the wifdom and 
cucumfpection cf their behaviour. The four faces, 
imports, that like men, minifters are to be comely in 
their converfaticn, a flection ate, fympathizing, meek, 
prudent, fagacious ; like liens, bold, courageous, and ter- 
rible to evil-doers j like ox .n, tame, patient, hardy, la- 
borious; and like eagles, intelligent, heavenly- minded, and 

elm. vi. 1, --7 J> Rev. iv. 6,— 9, and vi. »,— 7> and xv. 7. 

Ezsk. i. and x. 



Of metaphors refpe Sling faithful ministers. 2T 3 
active in their work. Their itreight feet, and foles like 
thefeof a calf, denotes their upright gofpel-converfation, 
and fitnefs to tread out the corn of God's word, for their 
hearers. Their having hands under their wings, im- 
ports the correfpondence of their practice, with their fo- 
lemn profeffions and engagements-. Their wings being 
ftretched upward, implies their dependance on Chrift: 
for furniture and direction. Their covering their bodies 
and feet with their wings, imports their blufhing at 
themfelves and their work before God. Their appear- 
ance like lamps and coals of fire, marks their zeal for 
the glory of God, and their communicating light and 
knowledge to men. Their running ftraighi forward as 
a flam of lightning, imports their integrity, quick pro- 
grefs and majefly in their work. Their going along 
with the wheels, implies their conftant connection with 
and attendance on the rolling churches ; the fame fpirit 
is in both ; and as they are dull, or aclive, fo ordinarly 
are the churches. Their voice like many waters ex- 
tending to the outer court, imports the powerful and 
exteniive fpread of the gofpel, chiefly among the Gentiles. 
Their warning people to come and fee, when the feals 
are opened, implies that the gofpel preached tends to 
eaufe men confider the word and providence of God,, 
The man in the firmament above them, incircled with 
fire and a rainbow, is Chrift, as the glorious and ma- 
jeftic head of the church, and of the new covenant, in- 
fpe&ing, helping, upholding, and governing them. The 
voice from the firmament when they Hand or letdown 
their wings, is ChrifVs quickening and encouraging, 
them to their work, the taking out fire from between 
them, to caft upon finners, implies that contempt of 
Chrift and his gofpel- min ill ry, efpeciaily haftens, and 
enhances naming vengeance upon a land. One of thefe 
beaits giving the feven vials to be poured on Antichrift r 
implies, that according to their word, and by their 
means, mail that man of fin be haftened to his ruin. 

4. They referable the priests in Ezekiel's virion of 

the gofpel-temple a. Their being the fons of Zadok„ 

not of the Levites that went altray, implies their being 

s-Eiak. xlii. 1,-18, and x!iii. r9>— 27. andxliv. 9, — 3i,.andxlvi..29- 

S3 



0,14 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

true and blamelefs children of Jefus Chrift, the righte- 
ous ; and faithful preachers of his atonement, as the 
great fubftance of the gofpel ; and that fuch as have fallen 
into fcandal, are not rafhly to be admitted to the mini- 
iiry. Their eight days confecration, implies their en- 
trance on their work with much deliberation, abundant 
application of Jefus' blood, and vigorous ftudy of gofpel- 
holinels ; their having diftincl: chambers for themfelves, 
imports, that their office is ftriftly eircumfcribed by the 
divine law; and that none are to interfere \vith their 
work or benefice, but fuch as are truly lent. Their 
higheii chambers being moft ftraitned, imports, that the 
moll eminent minifters are ordinarly mod hated and ex- 
pofed to trouble on earth. Their being clothed with 
linen, not with wool, or any thing that caufeth fweat, 
imports their being clothed with Jefus' righteoufnefs, 
and not with their own fatiguing and defiling works ; 
and th at their doctrine mull be pure, not erroneous and 
unfavoury, that their converfation mufl be holy, not 
©fTenfive, flupid, or flothful ; nor their miniftry their 
burden. Their Linen bonnets and breeches, denote 
their gravity, their modefly, their cbaftity, and freedom 
from Antichriftian whoredom. Their laying afide their 
fine robes ; and wearing others before the people, im- 
plies, that though they mufl only appear before God, 
in the righteoufnefs of his Son ; yet by their holy con- 
verfation, they mufl recommend holinefs to their hear- 
ers and neighbours. Their not fancfcifying the people 
with their garments, may imply, that they mult not 
allow the people to ufurp their office ; nor pretend, by 
their holinefs, or their bodily apparel, to convey any 
fanctity, merit, or fafcty to them, as Antichriftians do. 
Their not lhaving their heads, or fuffering their locks 
to grow, imports their ab flaming from Popifh fuperili- 
tion, and from worldly pride and wantonnefs. They 
muft beware of being intoxicate with drunkennefs and 
carnal care. They muft marry fuch women only, as are 
of good report. They mud teach the people of God, 
and compoie differences betwixt them. They mufl a- 
void immoderate forrow for dcceafed friends. Plenti- 
fully rauft they r.ourifh their fouls or. Chrift and him 



Of metaphors respecting fait J.ful minhUtt 215 
crucified. And plentifully are they and their families 
to be maintained by their people. Their boiling the lln. 
ofFering and trefpafs-offering, denotes their digeliing gcf. 
pel-truth in their heart and judgment ; and their pre,*. 
paring of their difcourfes before they preach them. 

5. They are called rulers a. How eminent their ex- 
cellency, ufefulnefs, and authority in the church ! Cho- 
fen by their people, it is theirs wifely, meekly, kindly, 
and carefully, to govern her members and matters, ac- 
cording to the laws of Chrift, her king ; and duly are 
they to be loved, obeyed, honoured, prayed, and provid- 
ed for, as his vicegerents. 

6. They are reprefer.ted as ambassadors h. Sent by 
King Jefus to propofe and negociate with finful men, a 
treaty of peace with God, of marriage with himfelf, and 
of traffic with his fulnefs ; with ail authority, earneft* 
nefs, wifdom, finglenefs, and faithfulnefs, they muft ad- 
here to their initru&ions ; and ftudy,. by their candid 
and honourable deportment, to promote it. Deeply 
muft they be affected and grieved, if it do not fucceed. 
Always ought they to be in readinefs, to render an ac- 
count of their conduct to God. With the utmoft hearti- 
nefs and humility, ought the children of men to receive 
them and their meflage. If their perfon is defpifed, 
their character injured, or their embafty rejected, to 
what divine vengeance it expofes the guilty ! And what 
a horrent prefage of approaching wrath, is God's calling 
them faft off from their work ! 

7. They are reprefented as witnesses c. With fide- 
lity, diltinctuefs, boldnefs, and impartiality, they teilify 
to men, what they havefeen and heard concerning Jefus 
and his truths ; and according to the word of their tes- 
timony, fhall you nations be accquited, or condemned at 
the judgment feat of Chrifi. Under Antichrift they are 
two witne&s ; few, but fufficient, powerful with God ; 
but clothed in fackclotb, mourning and diftreffed. 

8. They are compared to parents d. Hew great their 
dignity and authority in the viiible church! With 
what ardent love, earneft defire, fervent prayer, and 

a Heb. xiii. 7, 17. b 2 Cor, v. i$ t .- - 20. r John xv. 22, Rev. xi. 
d 1 Cor, iv. i5« 



? lg SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

laborious miniftration of the gofpel, they promote the 
fpiritual birth, inftruftion, reproof, fafety nourifhment 
and rule of the faints ! How tenderly they care for, 
fympithize with, exemplify godlinefs, to church members! 
How mightily grieved with their mifcarriages ! And how 
tenderly to be loved, efteemed, and revered, by them. 

9. They are reprefented as wooers; and friends of 
the bridegroom a. By Chrift's appointment with a An- 
gle regard to his intereft, and to the fouls of men, they 
propofe them an offer of fpiritual marriage with him. 
With every gaining consideration, of their neceflity, and 
of his excellency, honour, riches, beauty, and love, they 
prudently, faithfully, and earneftly inforce the propofal. 
To him they return an account of their diligence. With 
what forrow their hearts are filled, if the treaty fucceeds 
sot ! With what joy, if it do! How delighted to hear the 
Bridegroom's voice! And ho w averfeto be loved inhis ftead! 

ic. They are called warriors b. Solemnly enlifted 
under Jefus' banner of truth and love, diflinguiiTied with 
the livery of his call to, and furniture for their work, 
clothed with his righteoulnefs and grace, armed with the 
whole armour of God, nourifhed with his influence and 
provifion, in face of difficulty and danger, they employ 
themfeives in the vigorous defence of his church-ordi- 
nances, and truth. Skilfully mu ft they wield and pufh 
the fword of the Spirit, and of church-difcipline and go- 
vernment, launch the fpear and dart, the arrows of di- 
vine truth againll every fpiritual foe. Never muft they 
entangle themfeives with worldly bufinefs, carnal offi- 
ces or temptations ; hut vigoroufly make war on the 
kingdom of Satan ; pull down his ltrong-holds of finful 
luffs, abominable errors, hateful practices; and endea- 
vour to conquer finful men to Jefus, the Saviour. So 
fhail they obtain a crown of righteoufnefs, and reward 
of eternal life ! 

1 1. They are called watchmen c. Placed by Jefus 
in an high and important ft ation ; it is their's faithfully,, 
and impartially, to watch over the foul* of church-mem- 
fcers i to obferve their ftate, their cafe, and walk ; td. 

4 John iii. 29. 2 Cor. si. 2. b 2 Tim. ii. 3. and v. S, 

i Ijtb. x;ii. 17. Ezfck. xxxm. 7. 



Of metaphors respecting failbful ministers. 217 
watch over the truths and inftitutions of Heaven, that 
none be corrupted or loft. It is theirs to notice the va- 
riation of the times and providence of God ; to obfcrve 
the motions and approaches of every fpiritual foe, 
that, during the night of diftrefs, and of time, they may 
give us diitincl, early, and full warning of our duty 
and danger. Of what infinite importance is their work 
to the fouls of men I What labour and danger at- 
tend it I But if they defert it, give up themfelves to 
negligence and fleep in it, how guilty of the blood of 
fouls ! How expofed to the molt tremendous ven- 
geance of God ! 

12. They are reprefented as trumpeters a. Divinely 
« authorifed, and qualified, how fweetly; how loudly; how 

courageously; how plainly and fkilfully they proclaim ths 
offices, the approaches, the fpiritual feaits, the promifes, 
the pardons, the laws, the threatenings of King Jefus to 
men! And call them to attend the ordinances of his wor- 
fhip 1 With what undaunted boldnefs and diftinclnefs, 
they warn them of their faults, and their danger; direct 
and encourage them in their fpiritual conflicts with their 
indwelling im, with Satan, and with a prefent evil world! 
And mew themfelves patterns of braverv and diligence 
therein ! 

13. They are reprefented as leaders and GUIDES h, 
How extenfively ; how eminently acquaint with the 
truths of God ! with the duties of religion! with the 
temptations of Satan ! and with the fnares of the world! 
With what diftinguilhed care and patience, they lead 
men into the knowledge of divine myfteries ! Into the 
practice of holy duties! Into the exerclle of fighting with, 
and purfuing after fpiritual enemies! And conduct them 
fafely, through this world, in the way that leadeth to 
eternal life ! 

14. They are called pastors; shepherds; bishops; 
or overseers c. Divinely are- they appointed, ibiemnly 
are they engaged, carefully to lead the flock, the mem- 
bers of Jefus' church ; tenderly to feed them with his 
truths and ordinances; overfee, watch over, defend, and 
keep them together. And to feparate from among them, 

Isa. lviii. i. b 1 Cor, xi. 1. c Ezek. xxxiv. 4. Acts xx. zip 



2l8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

the fcandalous and openly wicked. And from their flock 
ought they to receive a proper fubilftence. From Jefus, 
{hall they receive an everlafting reward- 

15. They are called builders a. Divinely inftructed 
and appointed by Jefus, the fovereign Architect of the 
church, they muft clear offthe rubbifh of falfe doctrine, 
and fmful cuftoms. Every doctrine, inftructton, and ex- 
ample they give, they are to eftablifh on Chrift the foun- 
dation, and his fare and immoveable word. The corner- 
Hones and pillars of fundamental truths, they muft efpe- 
cially confirm; and clofely connect their whole doelrine, 
and conduct therewith. Carefully muft they attend the 
rule of infpiration, in all they do. Inceffantly, ikilfully, 
and earneftly, they promote the conviction, the illumina- 
tion, the union to Chrift, the juftincation, fancti fication 
comfort, and endlefs felicity of their hearers. Were not 
you, prophets and apoftles,wife mafter-builders, concern- 
ed in laying the foundation, and principal matters of the 
church of God? 

16. They are reprefented as fishers of MEN b. With 
what labour, care, fkill, and expofure to danger, they 
caft. the net of the gofpel, into the fea of this world .' 
Spread it upon finners, that they may draw them to 
Chrift ! It being adapted to their various conditions, 
fome are hereby caught in reality ; others only in ap- 
pearance When, O Jefus, wilt thou direct them to 
caft the net on the right fide of the fhip, that a mul- 
titude may be enclofed ! When fhatl our whole dead 
fea of this world be covered with thefe fifhers. When 
fhall the fouls they catch, be like the fifti of the 
great fea ; countlefs in number ; and exceedingly di- 
verlified in cafe ! 

17. They are compared to planters; to keepers or 
a vineyard ; to vinedressers c. Theirs it is, to 
found and plant churches ; to water them with gofpel- 
oracles and ordinances ; to watch over and defend the 
d06lrir.es, and members, from fpiritual hurt. Theirs, to 
take the foxos; to call falfe teachers to account; to re- 
fute their error, cenfure and eject fuch as are obftinatc, 

« iCor. ill. 11. b Ezek. xlvii. io, Matth. iv. 19. 

cS0ng1Viii.il. i Cor. 6.— -8. 






Of tmtaphdrs respecting faithful ministers. 219 

in evil ways. Theirs, to promote the gracious implanta- 
tion of iinners into Chrirt; to reprove, refrem, comfort, 
encourage, and direct the faints, who are the, beloved 
the darling vineyard* and garden of God. 

18. They are compared to stewards a. Entrufted 
by Jefus with the charge of his oracles, his ordinances, 
his houfe and family of the militant church, and the fouls 
of men pertaining therto; it is theirs, carefully, to over- 
fee whatever is done; to affign each his proper bulinefs; 
and in due feafon give him his proper provision, his por- 
tion of promifes, threatenings, reproof, cenfure, encou« 
ragement, or comfort. To Jefus they mud give an ac- 
count of their conduct. And how terrible their doom*, 
if they corrupt or. conceal divine truth! If they diforder, 
pollute, or break the peace of the church 1 If they wafte 
their time, their talents, their opportunities, to finful 
or infignificant purpofes ! Or if they beat, defpife, 
reproach, or unjuitiy cenfure their brethren, and fel- 
low-fervants. 

19 They are reprefented as servants and labour- 
ers b. Solemnly engaged to, and hired of Jefus to oc- 
cupy in his church; it is theirs by every proper method, 
however bafe or difficult to the carnal eye, to promote 
his glory, and the fpiritual edification of men. Always, 
and in all places, they are to be very diligent, humble, 
obedient, fingle, and faithful, in their work. Always are 
they to exert their whole power and Ikill; and feize eve- 
ry opportunity, that, by the public or private difpenfa- 
tion of the gofpel,they may be inftrumental, in plowing 
up the fallow ground of men's hearts; in plucking them 
as brands out of the burning; in hewing them off from 
their old covenant-root ; in gathering them to Jefus ; 
and promoting their heavenly courfe. Patiently they 
are to bear whatever burden of work ; of trouble or 
perfecution, God may lay upon them. So doing, how- 
ever unfuccefsful, their labours, ©n earth, glorious and 
lading (hall be their heavenly reward ! 

20. They, as the ancient prophets, are men of 
God t\ By God they are chofen, called, and fitted for 

a 1 Cor. iv. r. Luke xvi. 1,-— 7. h Matth. ix. 37. 
( i,JohniVi6, 1 Tim. vi. 11. 



t29 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

their work. Near him they Hand in their office. Near 
him they live in their holy converfation ; and are his 
deputies, his diitinguilhed reprefentatives, and peculiar 
property on earth. He is the fubj eel- matter, and the 
obvious end of their work. The injuries done them, 
he will fharply refent. For he that defpifeth them, de- 
fpifeth him that fent them. 

ai. They are like a flcck of newly warned, even 
morn, and twin-bearing fheep a. How numerous ! 
How kindly connected ! How warned in perfon, by Je- 
fus' blood ! Sanctified in nature, by his cleaning Spirit ! 
How harmlefs, pure, holy, patient, and ufeful ! How 
rich their paftures of infpiration ! How noted their har- 
monious affection ! How equal their power and autho- 
rity afligned them by Chrift ! How earneft their endea- 
vours, and happy their fuccefs, in winning fouls to him ! 
Is it not theirs, like he-goats, to go before the flock ; 
and be an example of the believers, in word, in conver- 
fation, in charity, in fpirit, in faith, in puritv ? 

11. They are like two young Roes, that are twins, 
and feed among the lilies b. How lovely, active, and 
pure ! How tender their affection to mens fouls ! How 
ftatcd and ftrong their enmity to the old ferpent, and his 
feed! How grievous and hurtful their attacks from them, 
efpccially if they indulge themfelves in floth ! How oft 
f no all, though fufficient to bear witnefs, their number ! 
How harmonious their affection! How equal their pow- 
er and authorityl in the church ! By what delight- 
ful ftudy and meditation, they feed on the feriptures, on 
gofpel-ordinances, in happy fellowfhip with Jefus, the 
lily of the valley, and his people ! 

23. They refemble doves eyes c. With what meek- 
nefs, purity, fincerity ; with what finglenefs of heait, 
chaite affection to Chrift and his people, do they pry in- 
to the gofpel of peace, and make it known to men j plea- 
fantly watch over the church ; warn her members of 
danger ; and direct them to Chrift and his way ! 

24. They are compared to olive-trles d. How 

comely and flourifhing their office and conduct ! Iri them 

Song lV » 2 > and vi - 6, b Song 4, 5, and vii. 3. 

€ Song i ( 15, and iv. 1. i Rev. xi. 



Of metaphors respecting faithful ministers. 221 
the oil of gofpel-trnth is lodged; and by them is it com- 
municate to others. By them is the gofpel of peace 
preached, and its all-healing fpirit and influence, offered 
and brought near to men. 

25. They are called the glory of Christ a. On 
them is his image and authority ftamped. In what 
they do, is his glory and honour iittended. And by 
them, are his glorious excellencies publimed and de- 
clared. 

26. They are a fweet savour cf Christ unto God hi 
Having received from Chrift their grace, their gifts, 
their office, how pleafant to God, they and their evan- 
gelic miniftraiions ! By them .how fweetly is declared 
the riches of his grace, and manifold other excellencies, 
in them that believe ! And the abundance of his wifdom, 
poweFjholinefs, and equity in them that perifh ! Dread- 
ful thought ! Ye liuners ; mall God ; mall a Saviour 
be exalted in your endlefs damnation, if you refute him ! 

27. They are reprefented as a spectacle to angels 
and men c. How expoied to open view, on the theatre 
of the world ! Ah, what signs, againft which the con- 
tempt, the obloquy, the malice, the perfecution of men, 
and rage of devils, are efpecially difcharged ! How oft 
held as weak; as foolifh ; as wicked ; for Chuff's fake I 
How oft a gazing-ilock, every where fpoken againft I 

28. Tney are compared to light d. What a diftin-* 
guimed meafure of truth, of fpiritual knowledge, they 
pofll-fs, and communicate to others, for their inward re- 
frefhment, inftrudlion, and comfort ! What bleffed 
means of difcovering men to themfelves ; mewing them 
the plagues of their heart, or the grace that has been 
given them ! What means of difcovering to men the ex« 
ceilencies of Cijrift, and the glory of God ia him ! How 
unhappy ! how devoid of fpiritual light and confolation 
the places where they are net ! How dreadful when this; 
light is turned into darknefs ; and miniilers are igno- 
rant, or replenfhed and clouded with error ! 

29. They are compared to stars e. In the firma- 
ment of the church hath Jefus planted them, andfurnifll* 

a i Cor. ix. 23. b 2 Cor. ii. 14. c 1 Cor. iv. 9, 

d Maith* v. 1 6. r Rev. i. jo, 

T 



22 2 SACFD TROPOLOGY. 

ed them with diverfities of gifts and graces, for the a- 
dorning thereof; and for refreshing, quickening, in. 
ttruSing men ; for leading them to himfelf ; for guiding 
them,, while, amid this bewildering world, they wander 
in the night of trouble and time ; or amid the i welling 
feas of manifold temptations and trials, they fail to the 
home and haven of endlefs felicity ! How held, fupport- 
ed, directed, by Jefus in his right hand ! How high in 
their ftation and office ! How near to God and heavenly 
things their motions and courfe ! Kow eafily beclouded 
their glory ! How readily ; how wide discovered their 
fhameful blots ! O when (hall the eternal day break ; 
that liars may difappear, (hadews flee away, and Chrilt 

be ALL IN ALL ! 

30. They are compared to candles and LAMP3 a. 
In themfelves how infigmncant ! Butfotmed, and from 
the fire of Jefus' light and love, lighted by the Holy 
Ghoft, with gifts, offices, and grace ; how ufeful during 
the night of time, to enlighten a dark world! Hownc- 
cefTary, they mould appear, and fhine publicly ! Kow 
generouily they fpend themfelves in illuminating others ! 
How oft moved from one nation and place, to another ! 
When, Lord, mall candies be extinct, and never-wafting 
glory lhme ! 

31. They are compared to clouds b t Receiving 
their gifts, their grace, their office, from the ecean, the 
fulnefs of Chriit : what appointed means of conveying 
the rain, the dew, of divine truths and influences to men ! 
Nor can they be ufeful, but as God pleajeth. Aie 
they not a kind of vail inter pofed betweeo, weak-fig hted 
mortals, and his dazzling brightnefs ! How expofed to 
obfervation, and to tempeils of trouble ! How fuperna- 
tural and fpeedy their motions ! How heavy the judge- 
ment, when they are removed from a land : or thtir ufe- 
ful nefs divinely retrained ! 

32. They are like to the FlsH-PoOLS by the gate of 
Bub-rabbim c. How clear their infrght into divine 
thiogs ! How plentiful their fulnefs of the gofpel ! How 
great their quietnefs and oonftancy ! What a bleffing to 

• Matth. v. is. t> Isa, v. 6. s Song vir. 4. 



Of metaphors respecting faithful ministers. 22$ 
the multitudes, which attend their miniftry ! By their 
means, what numbers are made to know their own fpi- 
ritual features ; and are nourimed up to eternal life • 

33. They referable pillars; posts; and beams a. 
How ftrong in gifts and grace ! How well fixed, and 
founded on Chrlft ! How ufefullj they fupport, and con- 
nect: the members and ftrueture of his church J How 
plainly they exhibit his laws to men ! 

3 }. They refemble the tower of David builded for 
an armoury, or the tower of Lebanon, that looked to- 
ward Damafcus b. For the fecurity and glory of his 
church ; for the obfervation of his principal fees, are they 
erected, and if rengthened by Chiift, and on h-im as their 
fure foundation. How high their ftation ! How upright, 
heavenly, fir u, and conftant in it ! How abundantly 
furniilied with fpiritual armour ! And ready, by dif- 
peniing the gofpel, to confer it to others ! The more dan- 
gerous fpirkual enemies, they are efpecially to watch 

a£ainft, and onpofe. And like a tower of ivprv. how 
pure ; how comely; now len-coniiitent, and nrm, their 

doctrine and converfation ! 

35. They referable chariots c. How glorious, curi- 
ous, and chilly, their erection and office ! By them, is 
gofpel miniftrations, is Jefus' name carried before the 
Gentiles ; and he, in a royal, majeftic, a quick, eafy, and 
triumphant manner, rides through the world; fubdues, 
and (hews his glory and love to, his chofen ; conquers 
his fpiritual oppofers. In their bloody lufFering and 
flaming zeal, they refemble a chariot with red horfes. 
In their abject outward appearance, their felf-denial ? 
their inlight into fpiritual mylteries, they refemble a 
chariot with black horfes. In their holy lives, their 
pure doctrines, and fpiritual conquefb, they refemble a 
chariot with white horfes. In diverfity of gifts and 
graces, they are like to a chariot with grizzled and bay 
horfes. In the apoftolic age, they refembled the firit 
chariot. In the Antichriftian period they refemble the 
fecond. In the millennial period, they fhall refemble the 
third. In the lafl days, they may be compared to the 

* Song i. 17, and iii. 10. Gal. ii.9. b Sang iv. 4, and vii, 4. 
c 2ech. vi. i,---8. 

T a 



22^. SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

fourth. Tn every form, 2nd period, they iiTue from be- 
tween mountains of brafs; appear according to the fettled 
purpofes of God, and notwith (lauding of manifold oppo- 
sition. 

36. Tiiej are called earthen vessels a. In thetn- 
felves, bow frail ; bafe ; contemned ; and troubled ! But 
God fills them with the treafure of gofpcl-truths, to con- 
vey it to others; that thus the excellency of its power- 
ful influence, may appear to be of him. 

37. They referable a round goelet fuH of mixed li- 
quor b. How diilinguimed their capacity ana perfection! 
How abundant their fulnefs of evangelic gifts and grace, 
for purifying theinfelves ! And for administering con- 
viction, cirecrion, and comfort, to others! 

38. They are compared to salt c. Ey their hcly 
converfaticn ; by their faithful difpenfing cf gofpel doc- 
trine, worlhip, difcipline, and government; they check 
corruption and error ; they prelerve perfonsand churches 

^fnairi rnt'rfnyf< unfavo.urinefs.. aDOitacv. and ruin ; thev 
prelerve nations from general proraneneTs, and delo- 

lating ftrokes: How incorruptible and lafting their 
office ! How calculate to prepare the redeemed for the 
eaft of their God! How carefully they fearch mens 
wounds, for the healing thereof! Hence what an eye- 
fore and trouble to the wicked and fcandalous ! But if 
by carnality, unholinefs, or (loth, rninifters lofe their 
own favour, none more hopelefs ; none mere ufeleis ; 
none more ripe, for eternal fire. 

39. They referable scarlet threads d. In them- 
felves, how weak; frail; and inconfiderable ! yet how- 
comely ! How expofed to trouble and perfecution! And 
is not the fouree, the fubftance, and end of their mini- 
stry, Chrift, and him as bearing our guilt, and crucified 
for our crimes ? 

Wherein they refemble a human nofe. eyes, lips, 
neck, breads, navel, feet. See chap. XL No 2. 

« 2 Cor. iv. 7. b Song vii. z. \c Matth. v. 13. d Song iv 3 






Of metaphors respecting fake teachers, &c, 225 
CHAP X. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING FALSE TEACHERS AND UN- 
FAITHFUL MINISTERS. 

I. "CVAXSE teachers are reprefented as messengers 
J? and spirits of devils a. By Satan they are 
fent, excited, directed, aid actuate. His honour and in- 
terest they promote and maintain. In fiithinefs, in 
pride, in malice, in flander of the faints, in active wafting 
of the church, and in ruining mens fouls, they imitate 
his example. 

2. They, chiefly fome principal ones, are called Anti- 
christs b* In his perfon, his office, his righteoufnefs, 
his interceffion, his instruction, his laws, his conquers, 
his government, and the end of his work ; they oppofe 
the Redeemer. 

3. They are reprefented as false prophets and 
apostles, and fome of them as falfe Chrifts c. Pretend- 
ing a commiflion from God, oft a diftinguifhed one, fome- 
times to be the Meffiah, they, in his name, publiih their 
falfe doctrines; attempt to erect falfe churches; claim 
uncommon power; pretend diftinguilhed gifts and grace; 
prophefy of future events; promife to themfelves and 
their followers liberty and peace, when fvvift deftruction 
corneth upon them. 

4. They are reprefented as murderers d. By ne- 
glecting to warn the wicked of their evil ways, and to 
promote their repentance; byfail'e doctrines ; by wicked 
example; arid by unfaithful difpenfing of divine ordi- 
nances, they deftroy the caufe and intereft of truth ; 
crucify Jefus afreih ; and ruin the fouls of men. 

5. They are reprefented as pimps, and whorish wo- 
men e. With the utmoft impudence, craft, and carnal 
enticement, they decoy multitudes to go a whoring from 
God and his ways, and to defile themfelves, fulfilling the 
lulls of the fleih and of the mind. 

a 2 Cor. xi. 15. Rev, xvi. 14. b 1 John ii. 18. r2Fet.ii. j, 

Matth. xxiv. 24. & Zech. xi. 5. c Rev. ii. 20. 

t 3 



226 SACFED TR0KXC6Y. 

6. They are reprefented as angry mother's children, 
and outrageous watchmen a. Originally members of 
the church, but never born of God, they hate his true 
children. With their enflaving errors and wiil-wor- 
fhip, they go about to opprefs and hinder them from 
their proper work. Sadiy they h?.rrafo and -wound 
them, reproach their cor.ducl, expofe them to injury, 
and attempt to rob them of their ali-covering vail,. 
Chrifl and his righteoulnefs. 

7. They are reprefented as Ch rill's companions or 
rivals Z>. Whatever love to, and connection with hio?, 
they pretend ; heartily they hate him 3 Set themfelves 
on a level with him ; leek to undermine his intereft, and 
defpoil him of his fubjecfs, his bride. Never, O jefns, 
permit me whorifhly, and wickedly, to turn alide by 
their numerous flocks. 

8. They are reprefented as thieves and robbers f. 
Without any regular million from Chrifl, or call from 
his people, how oft they rufn into the minifterial func- 
tion ! How oft they rob the Redeemer of his due ho- 
nour, as ruler, as prieit, or prophet of his church ! 
How wickedly they rob the faints of their fpiritual pri- 
vileges, and confer them upon others ! Rob men of -their 
gofpel provifion ! and attempt to fell them into the 11a- 
>ery of Satan ! 

9. They are called deceivers and seducers ^. De- 
ceitfully they mingle the gofpel of Chrifl with their 
own inventions ; and, thus corrupted, impofe it upon 
their hearers for pure and genuine truth. . Under high 
pretences to friencifhip, to piety, to peace, to knowledge, 
or zeal, they decoy men into corruption and error; 
and bring on themfelves and their followers fuciden de- 
flrucLion. 

10. They are represented as blind watchmen ; 
blind guides c. Deilitute of the faving knowledge of 
Jcfus, a ". .lis truth, they prefumptuoufly pretend to 
direcl the principles, and practice of others ; and with 
them fall into fuddeo ruin. 

1 1. They are reprefented as idol shepherds/. They 

i,g i. 6, a.id v. 7. t> Song i. 8. c John x. I. 

i 2 T;m. lit. 1 j. c Isa. hi. 10. /Zcth.xi. 17. 



Of metaphors respecting fake teachers, &c. 227 
are but the iliadows and images of true and faithful mi. 
nifters. Their followers, they feduce into the pafrureg 
of vain imaginations, and paths of fpiritual or grofs ido- 
latry, and alienation from God. 

12. They are called hirelings a. Not from genuine 
affection to jefus or his people, do they labour in the 
mimftry ; but to procure carnal favour, honour, plea- 
fure, or gain. And in times of perfecution and trouble, 
how readily they defert their flock, and the doctrines of 
truth ! 

13. They are represented as foolish builders of hay 
end flubble h. How light, empty, and worthlefs are 
the falfe doctrines, the corrupt practices; which, with 
great care, and apparent {kill, they eftablilh, preach, 
and promote, as if founded on the pcrfon and authority 
of Ch rift ! And how incapable to abide the trial of his 
word ! 

14. They are reprefented as daubers with untcmper- 
ed mortar c. By their falfe and inccnfUient tenets and 
conduct, they exert themfeives to confirm the wicked in 
their (in : in their dependence on felf-righteoufnefs; and 
to make, to raze, the hopes of the faints founded on Je- 
fus' promife, perfon, and blood. But fpeedily ihall their 
management be expofed to their fhame: andifTue in their* 
and their followers, everlafting ruin. 

15. They are reprefented as C.AANANITES and mer- 
chants d. Sprung from a curfed root, with what fraud 
and covetoufnefs, they, for carnal advantage, reject, cor- 
rupt, and mifapply the oracles of God ! To unfit perfons, 
or in an improper form, how oft they difpenfe his facred 
inftitutions! How oft they pretend to confer fpi ritual fa- 
vours! And by other like methods unnumbered, deceive 
and ruin the fouls of men ! 

16. They are compared to roaring lions e* "With 
what boldnefs, uercenefs, and cruelty, they roar out 
their errors and curfes; vent their perfecuting threaten- 
ings, and malice agalnfl the faithful ! And fpread terror 
and deftruclion among men J 

17. They are called wolves f. Ah, how they love 

a John x. 12. b \ Cor. iii.iz. c Ez^k. xii. 10. 

d Zach»,xiv. 21. 2 Fet. ii. 3, * Ezek., xxlL 2$-, /Manh..x. i&. 



22 8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

the darknef3 of ignorance ! Shun the light of GodV 
word! What a terror to watchful or walking faints! 
How greedily, cruelly, craftily they deftroy the church 
of God, and the fp: ritual lives and interefts of men ! 

1 8. They are called foxes a. How unclean ; noi- 
fome; abominable! How fubtlely they Ihun the light 
of infpi ration or conviction ! With what amazing greed, 
covetoufnefs, cruelty, and craft ; with what fhifts, eva- 
fions, and felf-inconfiftencies, unnumbered, they, efpeci- 
ally in the night of perfecution, trouble, or carnal fecu- 
rity, fpoil God's vineyard ! unfettle weak and young 
profeflbrs ! ruin men's fouls ! and promote Satan's in- 
teretts ; till reftrained by providence, checked by faith- 
ful cenfure, cut off by death ! And ah, how oft proudly 
itupid under thefe checks ! 

19. They are reprefented as lazy, greedy, dumb 
Dogs b. How filthy ; ready to return to the abomina- 
tions they once fremed to recant and abhor ! How ma- 
licious their enmity againft Jefus Chrift, his minifters, 
and people ! How ready to bite and devour the fouls of 
men ; to raife a noife of perfecution and reproach a- 
gainft the caufe of God, and its adherents ! How floth- 
ful in every thing truly good and expedient ! How co- 
vetous of fome carnal enjoyment ! How ready to hurt 
him, that putteth not into their mouth ! How negligent 
to reprove and warn the unruly ! Nay, how ready to 
Conceive at, and flatter them ; chiefly if powerful and 
rich ! 

20. They, chiefly the Antichriftian, are likened to 
scorpions c. What diftinguilhed feed of the old fer- 
pent ! How eafily provoked to the moll outrageous fury 
againft God and his church ! With what pretences of 
piety and peace they vail and cover their error and 
wickeduefs ! How fubtlely ; how inceflantly, they fmite 
their oppofers with the vileft reproach ; the cruelleft 
perfecution ; and the heavieft cenfures ! With what 
quickuefs and craft they inftil the poifon of error and 
abomination into their followers ! And how divinely 
reftrained from poifoning and ruining the faints ! 

• S ng U. 15. b Isa. hi. jo, n. cRfv. ix. 3,5,6. 



Of metaphors respecting false teachers, £s?c. 2z9 

21. The j, chiefly the Antichriflian, are marked cut 
by the locusts in the apocalyptic virion of. the fifth 
trumpet a. From the infernal fmoke of ignorance and 
error, they derive their origin. How quickly they 
multiply and fwarrn ! Unite under one head, the angel 
of the bottonalefs pit, the devil, and pope ! How har- 
monious, courageous, and aclive, in fpreading terror and 
corruption ! How marked with outward grandeur ; with 
ufurped authority ; and fuperfHticus reverence of the 
mob ! How noted their plaunble pretences to piety ; their 
affgcYed courtefy ; their luftful effeminacy; their fawn- 
ing flattery and fmoothnefs ; and their enticing of mul- 
titudes to fpiritual whoredom ! How diftinguifhed their 
cruelty and fraud in deflroying the fouls, the bodies, 
and the eftates of men ! How breaft-plated with hard- 
nefs of heart, fearednefs cf ccnfcience, and with civil and 
ecclenaftical laws and immunities in their favour ! And 
with what noify novelty, terror, curfes, perfections, 
jm55th(=r«~- e An the**- nroceed in their infernal courfe^tiU 
the period affigned them of God, come to an end ! 

11. They are called frogs h. How filthy their heart 
and life! How fooliih their talking ! How they delight 
to wallow in mires of abominations ! And, efpecially 
amid fummer- mowers of fat benefices, to creep abroad; 
toinlinuate themfelves into the families and hearts of 
men ; into the chambers and fecret councils of the great! 

23. They are called barren trees, whofe*fruit wi- 
thereth ; trees twice dead, plucked up by the roots c. 
However firm their outward fecurities ; however high 
their profeffion and office ; yet no good fruit of connec- 
ted gofpel- truth, or genuine goipel-holinefs, do they e- 
ver produce. How quickly their apparently good 
doctrines, labours, and followers, discover their naugh- 
tinefs ! To what a terrible and hcpekfs condition their 
natural death in trefpsfTes and fins, with their voluntary 
and.obftinate apoftacy from God, reduce them. 

24. They are. called WANDERING stars, to whom is 

refsrved the blacknefs of darknefs for ever d. With 

what a mining blazs of profeffion, and of pretence to 

a Rev. ix, 2, 7,-10. b Rsv. xvi. 13. 2 Tim. Hi 6. 
« Juu'e it. d Jude 1$. 



2^0 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

knowledge, piety, and zeal, they refllefsly move in the 
firmament of the vifible church ! And unceafing, be- 
wilder themfelves and others, into the perplexed mazes 
of error>and dreary, hopelefs irate of en die fs wo ! 

25. They are reprefented_as fallen stars ; as worm- 
wood, embittering the rivers and fountains of waters.; 
How many of them are originally found in the faith ; 
bat, by Satan's fedudtive temptations, are drawn away 
into grovelling apoftacy and error, which is bitter to 
men at hit ; and embitters and poifons to them the pro- 
mifes and ordinances of the gofpel ! 

26. They are called clouds without water b How 
great their towering pride, and felf-conceit ! How oft 
their power in the church is eminent ! What darknefi, 
ignorance, error, and corruption, they produce on the 
earth ! How unfettled their vain mind ! How reitlefs 
their contentions ! How ready to comply with evzry 
novelty ; ev^ry temptation ! Appearing fall of refrefh- 
injr. frucTifving influence, how infalh'Mjr *^*» ^ a ~o;,r« 
fuch as expect good from them ! liow mceilantly they 
forbode the itorms of God's wrath on churches and 



nations : 

27 They are called raging waves of the fea c. What 
pri- c; wnat noify diforder ; frothy vanity 3 unlettled- 
ncfs ; and fiercenefs, abound with them ! How oft they 
threaten to carry all before them ! How they foam out 
their ihame ; caft forth their monilrous doctrines, vain 
and Qiameful practices, and vile reproaches, againft their 
oppofers ! 

28. They are called wells without water d. What- 
ever high pretences to piety, learning, or zeal they 
make ; whatever fwee'C and ufeful advantage they pro- 
mife to their followers, there is nothing in them, but 
flimy, earthly-mindednc-f^, miry filthy lufts, hurtful 
fiends, errors, and vanhy. 

Rev. xii. 4, and viii. n. f> Jude 12. c Jude J 3. 

dz Pet. ii. 17.. 



Cf metaphors respecting the true cbunh. 23; 

CHAP. XI. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING THE TRUE CHURCH. 

I. r HHE church, in connexion with her head, is called 
A Christ a. Jefus is her head, hufband, and all 
in all. From hi* love, his blood, his interceiTion and 
Spirit, me wholly proceeds, to him, as proprietor, me 
w 7 h oily pertains. To his perfon is every true member 
unite. And to his honour do all her faints, her laws, 
her ordinances, and offices tend. 

2. She is compared to a HUMAN body, or woman b. 
She is unite to Jefus as her Lord and head, whence her 
honour, her laws, her ordinances her nouriihment and 
life are derived. She confifts of innumerable members, 
all clofely connected with him, and with one another ; 
who feel one another's affliction, fympathize, with one 
another's infirmities, care for one another's welfare, and 
are in conftant readinefs to ferve one another. Gradual- 
ly me increafes in ftrength and extent , till me attain the 
perfeel ftature of the glorified (late. Like a woman, to 
manifold weaknefs and trouble is fhe fubject on earth. 
Chrilt himfelf being her head, her eyes, may fignify her 
illuminating doctrines founded in him, or her minifters, 
who rooted and grounded in him, fignally adorn her 
appearance, obferve and direct her members, watch a*< 
gainft her enemies, exprefs her forrows, and pry into 
the myfteries of the gofpel. Her hair, may fignify her 
converts, efpecially young ones, who, however weak and 
eafily toficd, are by faith fixed in Chrift ; like locks, 
knit to one another in love, and are an ornameDt and 
honour to Chrift, and his church. Her nofe may re- 
prefent minifters in their fpiritual difcerning and relilh 
of divine things ; in their expofure to danger, and their 
watching againlt enemies ; and who, while the church 
is found, are a pleafant, refreshing, and apple-like fa- 
vour of Chrili to others ; and by them her breath iflues 

a 1 Ccr. xii. 72. b Song i. 5, 8, 9, 10, li, 13, and iv. I,— 5, 

and vi. S.—-7, and vii. 1—5, and v. z. Rev. xii. 1, 



1^1 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

forth, towards God, in prayer and praife. Or may not 
her nofe, fignify her ftately and majefiic ordinances* 
awful to her enemies, ornamental and favoury to faints ? 
Her temples, may fignify her rulers, who, by humble 
and prudent management of her difcipline and govern- 
ment, add to her comelinefs. Her cheeks, may denote 
her whole outward and vifible appearance. Herfcarlet 
lips, may reprefent preachers and their gofpel-miniflra- 
tions, chiefly verfant about Jefus Chrift, as bearing, and 
crucified for, our iniquities. Her teeth, may denote 
minifters as chewing, as meditating on, the bread of life, 
and rendering it fit for ufe to the very weakefl mem- 
bers. Her neck may reprefent them as immediately fub- 
je£t to Chrifl, her head, as adorned with golden gifts 
and graces ; and as the ufeful means of exalting him, 
and conveying nourifhment from him to us: or it may 
denote the infpired oracles, which, adorned with con- 
nected, durable, and precious doctrines*, laws, and pro- 
noifes unite us to Jefus ; and from his fulnefs convey 
breath and nourifhment, into our foul. May not her 
breads fignify her pallors and teachers j her two in- 
fpired teflamentsof heaven ; her two forts of ordinances, 
ordinary and foiemn ; her two facramental feals of the 
new covenant ; which adorn her form and appearance, 
and convey the fincere milk of divine truth and gofpel- 
influence, to nourifh the infantile children of God ? May 
not her navel denote minifters, as placed in the midit, 
in the principal flation of the church ; as mightily con- 
ducive to her health and ftrtngth ; and the diftinguifli- 
ed means of nourifhingher children in their fpirutal for- 
mation ? Her belly may fignify the word and ordinances 
of Jefus Chrift, where in his chofen are divinely con- 
ceived and formed into new creatures ; or it may fig- 
nify her faints, which arc the fubltance in the midft of 
her. May not the joints of her thighs fignify her cu- 
rioufly formed young converts, running in the ways of 
holinefs ? Or may they denote found ftandards ; or the 
all-covering robes of righteoufnefs ? thefc mightily tend 
to promote her regular and comely management. May 
her feet, beautiful with {hoes, denote her paftors, as 
fixed in the faith of the gofpel, and boldly, readily, and 



Of metaphors respecting the true churcb. 233 

beautifully running to and fro, to puolihVit ? or her 
private members as well inftructedj and powerfully 
influenced by the glorious gofpel, and readily running 
in the paths thereof? Her being black, but comely, fair- 
eft among women, implies that, however deformed by 
hypocrites and perfections, yet, as ordered by, and con- 
formed to > Jefus Chrift m^ is truly beautiful and glo- 
rious* Her fleeping while her heart waketh implies all 
her members, except a few choice ones, fallen into car- 
nal fecurity, and fad ignorance. Her crown of twelve 
liars, implies her open and honourable profeflion of the 
doctrines of the prophets and twelve apofiles of the 
Lamb. Her chains of gold, rows of jewels, borders of 
gold, and ituds of filver, may reprefent her various, and 
well connected laws, doctrines, promifes, ordinances, 
gifts, and graces, bellowed upon her, by her hufband 
Chrift. Her clothing of the fun, fignifies him as her 
righteoufneis, protector, and glory. Her vail taken 
from her by outrageous watchmen, may fignify her jn- 
triniic power and government ; her civil protection from 
the Mate; or her ufeful doctrine of Jefus' imputed righ- 
teouintfs. Her having the moon under her feet, implies 
her renouncing Jewiih ceremonies, and contemning 
earthly cuftoms and portions. 

3. The church is compared to a virgin a. How pure 
in her doctrine ! her ordinances ! How abhorent cf who- 
rifh idolatry and will-worfliip! How chaile her adher- 
ence to Chrift and his law j How dearly beloved of him! 
and how comely in her order, offices, and inftitutions ! 
O virgin daughter, why hail thou become to "him as an 
whoriih woman ! 

4. She is likened to a wife 5. Solemnly is me eipou-f- 
ed to Chrift, by outward profeflion, and by participation 
of the facraments ; and -thus brought into ftllowlhip with 
him, and a general intereft iu his perfon and bent fits. 
Hereby, how highly exalted and fecured againft totri 
ruin ! In her, his will is manifested ;and all her true mem- 
bers have fpecial union and communion with him. And 
is it not the indifpenfibie duty of every one, to obey and 
pieafe him in all things ; to dcfire his prefefces with \\zx $ 

a Isa» Ixii. 4> 5, b Jer. Hi, /./, 



234 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and to be exceedingly grieved, when he is difhonoured 
and provoked ? 

5. She is compared to a mother a. Chrift himfelf 
was born in her; became a member of her ; and is by 
her crowned with numbers of converts, with unfading 
honour, and endlefs praife. Married to him, andobtain- 
ing his prefence in ordinances, me travailing in birth by 
the painful labours of minifteis and others, brings forth 
a generation of faints ; nourifhes them with the fincere 
milk, of the word; inftrucrs them in the found principles 
of truth : dearly fhe loves, tenderly fhe pities them, and 
the more as they reiemble Chrift ; their proper work fhe 
aiiigns them ; from danger {he defends them : highly fhe 
reckons herfelf honoured by their good behaviour : by 
fpiritual cenfure fhe corrects them, when unruly. The 
Gentile world was long a barren woman, which brought 
forth no children to God; but now produces more than 
the Jewifh, long the Lord's efpoufed bride. The gofpel- 
cnurch is a free mother, freed from the law as a cove- 
nant, and from the yoke of ancient ceremonies : fhe tra- 
vels in pain by fpiritual pains, and endurance of mani~ 
fold trouble and perfecution : the man children brought 
forth by her, are Jefus, with his honoured agent Con- 
ftantine, the firft Chriftian emperor, and his other bold 
and refolute faints; thefe are caught up to God and to 
his throne; Chrift exalted to his right hand; Conftan- 
tine to the imperial throne; the primitive faints to the 
celeilial manfions ; or efpecially honoured and protected' 
on earth. Satan and his agents, particularly the heathen 
empire of Roms.are the dragon, which waits to devour 
her children and to perfecute herfelf. Her place divinely 
provided for her in the wildernefs, is her afflicted ft ate 
under An tic h rift, wherein God protects her for 1260 years. 

6. She is compared to an army with banners £. Hav- 
ing private faints for her common foldiers, fpiritual 
rulers for her officers, Chrift for her Captain-general, 
his perfon, his truth, and love, for her banner, to gather, 
diHinguifh, direct, and encourage her bands, they, armed 
with her graces and ordinances, refill, conquer, and fpread 
terror among her fpiritual foes. 

7. She is reprefented as a nation c. She is a dura- 
• Micah. v. 3» Oal, iy, 16, Rev ,xii. 1, b S?j)g vi. 4. e isa. Ix, 21. 



Of metaphors respecting the true church* 23^ 

ble, numerous, well regulate, protected and enrichtd fo^ 
ciety - : Jefus is her king; angels and minifterSj her guards; 
Jefus ? word is her hiftory and laws; his new covenant 
and its blefiings are her inheritance ! receiving out of 
his fulnefs, and improving it in holy exercifes, is her 
trade; divine ordinances her houfes and tents. The two 
armies to be feen in her, are hofts of divine perfections, 
and angelic fpirits, (landing in her defence ; hofts of in- 
ward graces and lufts conflicting in her true members ; 
and hofts of zealous faints and untender hypocrites op- 
pofingone another. O when mall a nation be born at once! 
a little one become a ftrong nation! the righteous nation, 
that keepeth the truth, enter into the heavenly Canaan! 

8. She is compared to a city a. Upon himfelf, as her 
foundation, hath Jefus built her: curioufly he formed her 
plan, and exactly he executes it : with the wall of his 
power, his protection, and laws, he furrounds her : all 
her regulations and cuftoms he hath appointed : himfelf 
is her chief magiftrate; her officers are his deputies: what 
an innumerable company, that no man can number, are 
her inhabitants ! how active ; laborious; high fed; and 
richly clothed, are her true members ! how diver- 
iifted, and rich thefe privileges, in which they have all 
an equal, an everlafting intereft! In freely receiving the 
fulnefs of God, from the land that is afar oft*, confifts 
her gainful trade : in the midft of her in the channels 
of ordinances and promifes, runs the all-adorning, all- 
protecting, refrefhful, cleanfing, healing, and commer- 
cial river of life : in her, Chriil, his Father, and Spirit, 
reticle; he, his angels, and minfters, watch over and 

, defend her; that the gates, the powers of he]], fhall 
not prevail, againft her,— O how much were it for her 
advantage that her inhabitants tenderly loved and clave 
one to another, as her adverfaries daily beiiege her, by 
temptation and perfecution ! But ah, while on earth, 
■what a mixed multitude of treacherous hypocrites, re- 
main in her ! 

9. She is compared to a family or household b. Se- 
parate from the reft of the world, God is her father; 
Chrift is her elder brother, glory, and manager, angels 

Isa. xxvi. 1. b Gal. vi. 10. Matth. xxiv. 45, and xxv. 14, — 30 

U 2 



2$6 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

and church-officers are her fervants and ftewards. In her 
are faints, young and old ; weak and flrong ; to each is 
divinely appointed his proper work, ftation, and privi- 
lege ; and how comely, when with order, harmony, ikill 
and delight, they apply themfelves thereto ! Divinely 
are all her members instructed, apparalled. defended : 
and, on every proper occafion called to worfbip their 
God. She is like to a family of fervants : how order- 
ly hired, admitted, and connected, are, or ought her 
members to be ! All of them are fubject to Jems' au- 
thority, and bound to advance his honour : to them, in 
very different degrees, he intrufts the talents and pounds 
of office, opportunity^ gifts, and graces, that they may 
occupy therewith, till he come again : fuch as improve 
them mall be proportionally honoured and rewarded : 
fuch as do not : but as it were, hide them in a napkin, 
ihall be felf- condemned, and call into eternal ruin. How 
deeply are ail indebted to Jefus ! but finding they have 
nothing to pay, how ready is he frankly to forgive 
them ! How abfurd then for them to revenge petty in- 
juries upon one another ! If he forgive me my ten 
thoufand talents, what torment, what damnation I de- 
ierve, if I refent on my neighbour the petty wrong, his 
rongue,or hand have done me! If while my Lorddelayeth 
his coming, I beat, reproach, unjuftly cenfure, or per- 
fecute my fellow-fervants, mall not I have my portion 
with hypocrites ? Pray, my foul, for this family of God; 
for they mail profper that love her. 

10. She is compared to a dove a. How great her pu- 
rity ! her fimplicicy! her innocency! her comelinefs ] 
her chafte affection towards Chrift her head ! how 
fingle her adherence to his truth and ordinances ! How 
ihe fties to him in diflrefs, and mourns for his abfenc! 
How pleafant the confociation of her members ! How 
noted her fruitfulnefs in young converts ! How emi- 
nent her weaknefs in herfelf: and her expsfure to 
enemies ! 

1 1 . She is compared to a threshing ox b. By her (hall 
God fubdue and break in pieces all her enemies : and 
render the whole earth fervants to him, and to his Chrift, 

a Son.;, 1. 15. b Micah iv. jj. 






Of metaphors respecting the true Church, 237 

Her iron horns, and hoofs of brafs, are the power, au- 
thority, courage, and vigour wherewith he fhali endue 
her and make her terrible to all her oppofers. 

12. She is compared to a flock of iheep or goats a, 
How great the ufefulnefs. purity, fruitfulnefs, unity, and 
affection of her true rr >rs! Of themfelves, how weak 
to oppofe! how uhwatchful againft, their fpiritual ene- 
mies How tenderly lev: cared for, protected, healed, 
and nourished by Jeius ! xih ! how oft infection fpreads 
amon them! moil being readier to follow example than 
precept. How beneficial are good patterns i and how 
hurtful are bad. Her ewes with young, are perfons di- 
ftrefled in rni;;d, and minifters travailing in birth, till 
Chrift be formed in mens' hearts. Her lambs and kids, 
are young converts, or prcfeffors, who are to be fed be- 
fides the fhepherd's tent oi ordinances. She is Chrift's 
flock; all her true members, he chufe, pui chafed, gathers 
conquers, feeds, protects, and cares for •, and how many 
rich favoursdo even her nominal profeflbrs receive from 
his hand? She is one flock, wholly unite in her one head, 
Chrift; a beautiful flock adorned with his word, his or- 
dinances, righteoufhefs and grace; a little flock, final] in 
comparifon- of the reft of the world: a flock of daughter, 
expofed to fearful perfecution and trouble. Her watering 
troughs, high mountains, to feed on, and green p^ftures, 
are the lofty, the ever refreshing, and delighiul word, 
and ordinances of Chrift. Her dill waters, are the deeps 
of his everlafting love, and divine influence, which run in 
the channels, and among the hills of divine ordinances. 
Her fold, is church-fellowihip, divine ordinances; and 
gracious communion with himfelf. The footfteps of the 
flock, are the pattern of former faints; or the ordinan- 
ces they walk in. 

13. She is compared to an olive TREE b. How per- 
petual her verdure and fapl Hoiv good and abundant her 
fruit ! How delightful her fpiritual comelinefs, grace^ 

and the p^ace with God, with confeience, will* 
creature^ which is exhibited and enjoyed in her! 

a EzJ , xxxiv, xxxv. xxxvii. Song, 7, 8, 
ilosea, xiv. 7. Bom. xi, ij* 

us 



23$ SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

14. She is compared to a vine a Planted, pruned, 
watered, and preferved by Jefus' power, fhe, in herfelf 
con tern ptible, weak, and ufelefs, in him abounds with 
fpiritual fap of divine truths and influences, fpreads in 
the world, and brings forth the well joined, the ufeful, 
and refreshing fruits of holy men, of fpiritual graces and 
good works, to the praife and glory of God ! And ah ! 
hew thefe particular affemblies and members which re- 
main unfruitful, diflionour God, provoke his wrath, and 
haften their own difgrace and ruin ! 

15. She refembies a bush burning, and not confum- 
ed b. To carnal men, fhe appears inngnificant and con- 
temptible: in this world, me is ordinarily low and ex- 
pofed to ^mictions : to fuch birds of mankind, ?.s flee to 
the Lord Jefus, and ling to his praife, lhe is the com- 
mon receptacle : notwithftanding of, nay often in, the 
fiercefl: trials, and perfecutions, {he flouriiheth with holy 
perfons, graces, and exercifes ; painfully, though inno- 
cently, {he prick?, and plagues thefe, who injure her. 

16. She is compared to a lily c. How comely and 
ufeful in her author, her laws, ordinances, and real mem- 
bers ! Though weak in herfelf, how rooted in Chrift I 
How 7 glorious and great in him, as her head ! How fruit- 
ful in the production of faints ! How high and heavenly 
her nature and tendency J To what heights of perfec- 
tion {hall {he attain! How delightful and diffunve her 
favour, when the fulnefs of the Gentiles {hall come in, 
snd the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of the 
Lord ! And though now among thorns, expofed to trou- 
bles and evil men; yet how quickly to be tranfplanted 
to the celeflial paradife of God ! 

17. She is called the fulness of Christ*/. Her 
true members are his myilical body, through which he 
1 ecomes a complete mediatorial head and huiband, and 
in whom he fully manifefts his mercy, kindnefs, and 
love. Surprifing ! am I for ever to have Jefus for my 
fulnefs! and to be the fulnefs of him, who filleth all 
in all ! 

18. She is culled heaven e. She is the gate of en- 

« Hosca xiv. 7. 6 Exod in. t,— 6. c Song ii. 2. 

d Eph. 1. ~$. t Rev. vui. i, and xi. 12, 15, and xiv. 6. 



Of metaphors respecting the true church* , 239 
trance to heaven. In her, God and his holy people re- 
fide; and the latter are fitted for the paradife above. 
Her laws, ordinances, and privileges, are of a heavenly 
origin, nature, and tendency. Chrifl and his oracles 
are her fun ; his inflituted ordinances her moon; he, 
her morning-liar.; miniilers and faints, her connected 
conftellations. 

19. She is compared to the sun a. How conflant 
and abiding ! the gates of hell cannot prevail againft 
her. In her, how delightfully the wonders and myfte- 
ries of God are difplayed .' How glorious her fpiritual 
appearance! Nor is any faving light communicate to 
the world, but by her means! Her complex frame is 
clothed with the laws and ordinances of Jefus, the Sun 
of righteoufnefs ; and her true members with his righte- 
oufnefs and grace. 

20. She is compared to the moon h. From Jefus ihe 
receives all her light of infpiration, ordinances, and grace. 
Amid various changes of outward circumftances, amid 
unnumbered fpots and imperfections, ihe, during the 
night of time, communicates the light of life to our 
darkened earth. How marvellous her influence upon 
the rife and fail of nations, in the sea of this world I 
As Jefus' face mines upon her, fo is the meafure of her 
light : but when carnal fchemes and politics interpofe 
between her and him ; how is her glory eclipfed! how 
many witnefs her ihame ! 

21- She refembles the morning c- How pleafant 
and refrefhful, though imperfect, her light ! How gra- 
dually, from the beginning to the end of time, (hah it 
increafe, till it iffue in the noon-tide blaze of cndlefs 
brightnefs ! But, my foul, did not the church look forth 
as the morning, in the patriarchal age ? Did fhe not ap- 
pear fair as the moon, when clothed with the numerous 
moon-ruled and fading ceremonies of the Jewifh difpen- 
fation ? Did Ihe not in the apoftolic ; and mail ihe not 
in the millennial, and the eternal period, appear clear 
as the sun ? 

22. She refembles a ship d. How curioufly built 
and furnifhed by Chiift, for conveying hi3 people 
* b cSong vi. 10. d Isa. liv. 11. 



240 SACRED TROPOLGY. 

through the fea of this world, and of manifold troubles, 
to the haven of glory ! How fkilfuliy to be directed and 
managed, according to the compafs of infpi ration ! How 
neceflarily influenced, by the gales of divine influence I 
Ah, how oft bewildered with the milts of delufiori ; and 
toiled with waves and ftorms of perfecution, divifion, 
temptation, and trouble! What numbers, once entered 
by a formal profeffion, are fhaken out of her, by ftorms 
and death ! Nor do any, but God's chofen and fanctified 
ones, by her means, arrive fafe at the heavenly harbour. 

23. She is compared to a net a. How mean her 
materials ! but how curioufly connected her members, 
ordinances, and forms ! With what labour and fkill, Je- 
fus and his agents call her into the fea of this world, to 
catch and draw men to Hmfelf ! And how oft they re- 
move her from one place to another ! What multitudes 
are fometimes, by his direction, therein apprehended I 
fome of whom are real faints, good fifties ; others hypo- 
critical and bad ! Quickly, in the Tail judgment, fhall 
ftie be drawn to the ihoreof theet. rial £1 te; where the 
good (hail be gathered to plus' manfioas j and the bad 
thrown away into the furnace of his wrath. 

24. She rcferobles Solomon's chariot of the wood of 
Lebanon b. Of men rendered precious, fragrant, ftrong, 
comely, and durable, by hia grace, hath our glorious 
King Jefus, our Prince of peace f rmed her. Miniftcrs 
fhining in ufetul gifts and grace are her filver pillars. 
The excellent, glorious, and everla'fting perfon of Chrift, 
is her bottom oi gold Her cove ing of purple, implies 
her being waftied in his blood; clothed with his righte- 
oufiefs, loyally dignified by his kindncfs, and expofed to 
b! ody fuffering lor his fake. Her being paved with 
]( . . implies, that his love is in her exhibited and ap- 
plied i and that his people walk in love towards him, 
and towards one another. 

25. She rc'fembles the wheels in Ezekiel's vjfion c. 
How great her excellency and ufefulnefs i how noted 
her movcablencfs ~iom phce to place ! Through men's 
oppofition, what a noife do her motions make in the 

a Maith. xiii.47,— 50, i> Song iii. 9, 10, c Hzsk. ft* 



Of metaphors respecting the true church. 241 

world! May not the roundnefs import her perfection in 
her kind ? the four faces imply knowledge, heavenlinefs, 
courage, and patience, in labour ? the dreadful height of 
their rings, denote majeily, extent, and awfulnefs to op- 
pofers ? May not their colour of the fea or beryl, mark 
outlier fluctuating condition upon earth; and the ex- 
cellency and beauty of her true members? their not 
turning as they went, reprefent her progrefs towards 
perfection, and the gracious perfeverance and growth of 
her faints ? their appearance as a wheel within a wheel, 
imply her curious ftructure, with refpect to the particu- 
lar worfhipping aflemblies comprehended in her? May 
not the crying to the wheels import the neceffary awa- 
kening and exciting of the church, by the word and Spi- 
rit of God? And the moving of the wheels by the Spirit 
of the living creatures, imply, that the churches mult 
be animate to their progreflive work* by the zealous di- 
ligence of minillers, and the influence of the divine Spi- 
rit, who is in them ? 

26. She is called a spring shut up ; a fountain 
sealed a. How remarkably is fke oft protected of 
God ! Gracioufly feparate and preferved for him, as his 
hidden ones, and peculiar property, are all her true mem- 
bers. Safely repofited and fecured in her, are her in- 
fpired oracles, divine ordinances, and valuable bieiungs. 
Nor are they bellowed on, or made known to the refl 
of die world. 

27. She is compared to a mountain or hill b. How 
immoveably rooted in Chrift J How impoffible to deflroy 
her ] How diilinguifned her excellency ! How amazing 
her height, and exteniive her profpect, into divine, deep, 
and diflant things ! With what contempt do her faints 
overlook every thing without, as low and trifling ! In 
her, fpring the inftituted wells of faivation, and runs the 
river of life. In her, grow God's chofen plants, trees of 
righteoufnefs and life, and fruitful vines. In her, he is 
worfhipped in fpirit and in truth. In her, how richly 
feed his ranfomed flock, on the paflures of gofpel-ordi- 
nances ! How fafely preferved and flickered by the Rock 
of ages ! She is a mountain of myrrh, and hill of frank- 

a Song iv. iz. b Isa. xxv. 6. Song iv. 6, and viii, 14. 



242 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

incetife ; mountains of fpices, How fragrant, preciou?, 
purifying-, and perfuming, the virtue of her ordinancis, 
bleiTings, graces, and good works ! How Jefus delights 
in her ! and beftows on her true members, fweet com- 
munion with himfelf 1 

28. She is compared to Carmel; Lebanon*; and 
SHA&aN a. Tn her* is Jefus, the tree of life ; and his 
Spirit, the water of life. In her, the Rock of falvation, 
the Rofe of Sharon, sndJLily of the valley, is enjoyed. 
What fragrant and lading verdure; what pleafant pafture 
amiable profpedl, and delightful reft, he, in her, creates 
for the fouls of men ! In her, what plants of God ; what 
flowers of grace, fmell fweetly, bloffom, and bring forth 
fruit ! / 

29. She is a little stone cut out of the mountain 
without hands, which breaks to pieces thekingdoms of the 
world, and becomes a great mountain, filling the whole 
earth b. Chrift her Head, in his manhood w T as formed 
by the tranfeendent power of the Holy Ghoft. Wonder- 
fully, not by human force, is fhe raifed up in the world. 
By the fovereign power, and free grace of God ; are her 
true members digged from their natural ftate, andbrought 
from among the reiidue of mankind. Implored by her 
fervent prayer, mall the righteous Lord bring terrible 
deftruction upon her oppofers. When wealthiest empires 
are overturned, fhe, however fmall and defpifed, mail 
continue ; and gain ground by their ruin. In the laft 
days, when the Chaldean, Periian, Grecian, Roman, and 
Tartarian empires, are no more ; mall Ike extend to all 
the kingdoms of the earth ; and, in her lofty ordinances, 
mall all flc (h Tee the falvation of God. 

30. She is compared to a garden ; orchard ; vine- 
yard c. At infinite expence of love, of power and 
blood, Jefus pttrehafed her from the juftice of God. The 
heart ot her chofen members he plows up ; removes 
their ftcuy hardnefs ; and every other bar in his way. 
Regularly he plants her with his faints, his ordinances 
and grace. By the hedge of government and difcipline, 

« Isa. xxxv. 2, and Jxv. 10. b Dan. ii. 34, 35. c-Isa. v. 1,-5. 

Son.' iv. ij, 14, and vni. n,-— 1$, Isa. xxvii, 2, 3. Matth. xx. 

i,~--i6, and xxi. 33,- — 44. 



Of metaphors respecting the true church, 24* 

he defends and feperates her from the reft of the world. 
By the fhining of his countenance, and application of 
his love, he warms and nourifhes her. With the river, 
the rain, the dew of his word and Spirit, he waters her 
every moment. With his truths and blefflngs, he fat- 
tens her. By his angels, his minifters, his providence, 
he watches over, and keeps her night and day, left any 
hurt her. How dear is me to him ! and how he de- 
lights to walk therein ! What officers and members he 
hires to labour in her ! No feed, but that of this word, 
he allows to be caft into her. None, but the choice 
feed of his faints, he allows accefs to her fealing ordi- 
nances. By a faithful adminiftraticn of his inftitutions, 
and by manifold perfecutions and afflictions, he weeds 
and prunes off her corruptions. E,very~plant or mem- 
ber is required to bring forth much fruit. And to what 
diftrefs, fpiritual drought, and everlafting danger, does 
their want of it expofe them ! How oft, for cumbering 
his ground, for living unpiofitably and wickedly in his 
church, doth he cut down profefTors, and caft them into 
endlefs fire ! How oft, for fpiritual barrennefs, and noxi- 
ous corruptions, he unhinges particular churches ! takes 
away their hedge of protection and government ! gives 
them up to Heathenifh, and other abominations ! and fuf- 
fers the wild.beafts of wicked men to wafte and deform 
them at pleafure ! No where are fuch noxious weeds, 
fuch corruptions produced, as in an uncultivate church. 
How quickly the nettles and briers of herefies, hateful 
practices, and wicked men, cover her face, and render her 
a lodging of Satan, and his ferpentine feed ! The church 
is indeed fmaller, but more ufeful than all the reft of the 
world. For like a vineyard of red wine, amid bloody per- 
fections, fhe produces perfons and works, which cheer 
the heart of God and man ; like an orchard of pomegra- 
nates, fpikenard, and all the chief fpices, ftie produces 
faints unnumbered, precious, favoury, ufeful, and in at- 
tainments and conditions, very verfified. Thefe bring 
forth the fpices and fruits of holy graces and good works, 
rich, fragrant, and medicinal. The keepers andhufband- 
men to whom Ghrift lets out his vineyard, are her offi- 
cers, who are tocultivate her, arid return him proper re- 



244 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

venues of honour for the talents, opportunities, and charge 
afligned them. How miferably did God dcftroy the Jew- 
ifli keepers, who abui'ed his prophets and fervants, and 
murdered his Son ; and gave the vineyard to the Gentiles! 
ChrifVs having her at Baol-Hamon imports, that now the 
accefs to her is large; and multitudes enter. His having 
a thoufand, and the keepers two hundred, implies, that 
he is to have the chief glory ; and his minifters their re- 
fpe&ive fubfiftence and honour. His hiring labourers 
to work in her at the third, the fixth, the ninth, and 
eleventh hour, implies, that in different ages of the world, 
as the patriarchal, ceremonial, apoftolic, and millennial; 
and in very d\fferent fetfons of life, are his cbofen con- 
verted, and made to labour in his work ; and at the end, 
fhall all of them receive the penny, the enriching, the 
gracious reward of eternal life. From her various wor- 
shipping afTemblies ihe is fometimes reprefented as gar- 
dens or vineyards. 

31. She is compared to a sown field a. Jefus, her 
proprietor, i'ews her with the good feed ©f his word. 
Some of it fails on hearers, ftupid, carelefs, and expofing 
themfelves to every temptation, as a way-fide, and by- 
Satan and his agents is quickly devoured and matched 
from their memory and am ction. Some of it falls up- 
on hearers hard in heart as (tony ground ; who, chough 
at firft they receive it with joy and affection, and feem 
to commence a nouriihing piofcfiion and practice, yet 
fcorched by perfecution or trouble, they quickly wither. 
Some of it falls upon carnal worldlings, whofe thorns, 
whofe earthly cares and lulls, choak and render it un- 
fruitful. Some of it falls upon renewed hearts, who, in 
very different degrees, bring forth fruit unto God. In 
her grow up the good wheat, the faints (own by Jefus 
Chnlt , and the tares, hypocrites, and feducers, fown by 
Satan in the night of ignorance, indifferency, trouble, or 
time. Nor men, nor angels, can, or are now .divinr \y 
warranted, fulhy to feparate the tares from the wheat. 
Lut at the lad judgment, a full, a final ftparation mail 
be effected ; the faints gathered into God's heavenljr 
ltorehoufe, and the wicked caft into unquenchable fire. 
a Matih. xiii. 1,— 8, 24,-30. 



Of metaphors respecting ibe iruz church. 245 

32. She is compared to a threshing floor #. Here 
the corn of precious faints, and the chafFof hjpocritic 
dilfemblers are mingled together in her ; nay, the corn 
of grace and ch'fFof corruption cleave clofe to one ano- 
ther ; and by threftiing influences, troubles, and perftcu- 
tiorts, her ordinary attendants, muft the chaff be gradual- 
ly feparate from the wheat. In her, how quickly one 
generation pafTeth away, and another cometh in their 
itead ! BleiTed Boaz, ir. is thine to lodge en this thy floor, 
which thou haft chofen, purchafed, and prepared. It is 
thine to purge it with the fan of thy word, of thine in- 
fluence, and of fi6rmy providence. What chaffy mul- 
titudes of rebellious Jews, and apoftate Chriftians, have 
thy fanning judgments hurried into fearful wo I What 
millions mall thy trying procedure at the laft d&y blow 
into endlefs ruin ! Be thou, my foul, folid grain, that no 
trouble, nor death, nor the eternal judgment, may blow 
me away from Ghrifl and his faints. 

33. The gofpel- church refembles the INHERITANCE 
of Israel, in Ezekiel's vifion b. All her borders are 
exiclly circumfcribed in the purpofe, the covenant, and 
word of God. In her the true Ifraelites, his chofen 
people refide. How noted the regularity, and harmony 
of their refpe&ive flations and conditions ' How oft do 
Danites, diftinguifhed and early fihners, become the firfl:, 
and the mofl highly privileged faints ! What equal ac- 
cefs for Jews and Gentiles to her fellowfhip! What 
fhares of common gifts and grace, fojournir.g hypocrites 
often obtain I How regularly is their proper work, pro- 
vision, and honour, affiled to her officers, her priefts, 
and pevites ! With what equity do, or mall thofe rulers 
execute her government and laws j How active and fuc- 
cefsful (hall they be as fifhers of men in the dead fea of 
this world! How glorious her watering and fructifying 
truths, inflitutions, and influences, which, iiTuing from 
the temple, and through the death of Jefus our Lord, do, 
in different periods, gradually incrcafe, and on every 
hand produce multitudes of trees, of lively, flou riming, 
and fruitful faints ! How deplorable their end, who reap 
no benefit thereby ! They mail be curfed into fournefs, 

>« Matth. iii, 12. b Ezek. xlv. xlvj. xlvih and xlviii, 

X 



246 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

into barrennefs, and encilefs wo ! In her hew high the 
honour; how abundant this portion of her prince and 
Mediator; at whofe expence, her feafts, her ordinances, 
are obferved ! In the midft cf her, dwells Jehovah, and 
ihares the centrical portion, the fupreme honour and 
glory of all. 

34. She, efpccially in the latter days, r^fembles the 
NEW Jerusalem in John and Ezekiers virions a. Her 
defcending from Gcd out of heaven, marks her heavenly, 
her divine erection, nature, and tendency. Her fituation 
on the fouth fide of an hill, may denote her freedom frcm 
the chilling blafts of perfecution and trouble ; and her 
eminent enjoyment of the influences of her ail-warming 
Sun of rightecufnefs. Ker appearance as a jafper-ftone, 
imports her purity and comelinefs. Her high wall round 
about, is her divinely prefcribed laws and government ; 
and her divinely beftowed falvation and protection from 
wo. Her twelve gates of pearl, three towards each 
airth, mark out Jefus a« equally acceffible to Tinners from 
every end of the earth.. Her twelve foundations of dif- 
ferent precious ftones, repiefcnt him, and his glorious 
truths, declared by his apodles, as fuited to fupport fin- 
ders in every cafe. Her fourfquare form, fignifjes her 
(lability, ccmelinefs, and order. Her being eighteen 
thoufond meafures round about, 2nd having twelve 
thoufind furlongs on every fide, import her numerous 
members, and v a ft extent. Her having no temple in 
her, denotes the abolifhment of the Jevviin ceremonies. 
Ker having no need of the fun, the moon, or the light 
cf a candle, fignines her having no need of temporal 
power, worldly pomp, and dim ceremonies. Her river 
of life in the midft, is the gol'pel anu Spirit of ChrifL 
Her tree of life is himfelf. Htr Greets and broad waj s 
are his ordinances. Her'light is the Lord God and the 
Lamb. Into her mall multitudes come, and obtain divine 
liglit, knowledge, joy, and happinefs ; and from her 
fpecial U liovvfbip, ihall wicked and fcandaluus perfons, 
be carefully fecluded : and this fliall be her name, her 
renown, the Lord is there; there divine perfons de- 
lightfully refi\ie ; there divine perfections are fignally 
« Rev. xxi, and xxii. i, 2. Ezek. xl. 2, and xlviii. jo, to 35. 



Of metaphors respecting' the true church, 247 

displayed, and divine gifts and graces bountifully con- 
ferred. 

35. She, efpecially in the latter days, correfponds with 
the temple in Ezekiel's vifion a. How furrounded 
with the Itrong wall of divine "perfections, of love, and 
power! of falvation and government ! How exactly e- 
very thing in her is meafured according to the line and 
reed of God's pnrpofe and word ! Its (lairs of afc^nt at 
the thresholds; (ignify our gradual irrcreafe in gifts and 
grace ; and oar gradual entrance into the vifible and in- 
vifibie church, and to fellowship with God ; and the va- 
rious means of obtaining it. The courts may reprefent 
the church as vifible ; the fanctuary, in her invifible ftate, 
or the outward. court, may fignify her vifible, and the 
inner court her invifible ftate. The fanctuary her emi- 
nent feilowfhip with God in Chrift, And the feparate 
building at the weft end, the eternal ftate of glory, which 
eye hath not feen, nor ear heard ; nor hath it entered in- 
to the heart of men to conceive of. The fide-chambers 
of the temple and court* may fignify particular churches* 
worlhipping alTemblies, and inftituted ordinances, where 
Jefus refides, and reveals his mylteries ; protects ami al- 
lows intimate fellowship to his people. The enlarging 
of the upper ftories of fome of thefe chambers, by their 
jutting into the principal wall^, implies, that the more 
holy, heavenly, and dependent upon God, churches and 
perfons are, in attending ordinances, the more extenfive 
is their gofpel-liberty. The priefts chambers in the 
outward court towards the north, may mark their 
diftinct functions in the church ; or the Proteftanc 
churches in Europe and No-rth America. Their nar- 
rowing as they afcend, implies their being the more ex- 
pofed to perfecution, according to their emineney; or 
that in the Protectant churches there, fhall be great de- 
cays*, as to number and quality ; and that in the fecond, 
and efpecially the tiiird age after the Reformation, few 
eminent members or minifters mall be therein found. 
The void places between and before the chambers, may 
reprefent the abundant accefs there is to Chriftian, 
churches and ordinances , the light, liberty, and whole- 
JEzek. xl. to xliv, 
X2 



?4^ SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

fome air cf influence there enjoyed j and th.it our whole 
life is lo be an improving of ordinances pair, and a pre- 
paration for thefe in view. The equal fize of the cham- 
bers, exhibits the equal privileges, power, and authority 
of churches and minifters ; and the fubftantisl ind entity 
of ordinances. Tne polls and pillars in this temple, may 
reprefent fundamental truths, evangelic promiies, faith- 
ful ministers, and zealous faints; which eftabiim and 
ftrengthen the church. Cherubims and palm-trees al- 
ternately mixed, may reprefent minifters and faints at- 
tended by angels ; and all prying into the myfteries of 
redemption, flying in the active fervice of God, or pa- 
tiently bearing loads of labour and trouble, and obtaining 
viclory over fpi ritual enemies. The foundations and 
pavement may reprefent Chrift, and his infpiredpracles, 
as the foundation of the church, and of eve'ry true mem- 
ber, grac?, and good work therein. The large gates, 
doors, and porches, iignify Chriit as the means of our 
abundant accefs to God, But the porch of the fan&uary 
may exhibit him as a fupporter, hiding-place, andhoufe 
of prayer, for his people: and the appropriation of the 
eaft gate to the prince alone, may iignify, that he alone 
approaches itraight forward to God, by his own merit ; 
and is the Head of the church, who may go in and out 
from his people and ordinance?, as he pleafeth. The 
windows may reprefent miniiters and ordinances, by 
whofe means we mare the light and air of life. The 
identity of things and meafures on various (ides, exhibits 
the identity of Chriit, and his word and ordinances ; arid 
the nmilarity of his people in every part cf the world. 
The altar of burnt-cuering, reprefents Jefus in his all- 
purchafing blood and righteoufnefs. That of incenfe 
reprefents him in his all-procuring interceffion. The 
chamber for warning the facrificts, may denote the or- 
dinance of baptifm, wherein the faints, thefe fpiritual 
oblations, are warned in the blood anil Spirit of the 
Lamb. The eight tabhs of hewn ftone, with the knives 
on them, may fignify the divinely appointed, the (land- 
ing and oft difpenf d facrament of the fupptr, wherein 
C .lift crucified, and our fins the caufe of his death, are 
affe&mgly prcfented to our fpi ritual view. And may 



Of metaphors respecting the true church, 249 

not the flefii-hooks denote the promifes and ordinances 
of the gefpel, as exhibiting and bringing near to us, our 
crucified Redeemer? May not the fingers and Levites 
fignify true Chriftians, who rejoice in, blefs the Lord 
and labour in his fervice? Miy not the pri efts fignify 
miniilers, who prefent Chrifl to us : and faints, who by 
faith prefent him to God, and furrender themfelves io 
his fervice ? May not the five hundred reeds of meafure 
on every fide of the court, fignify the extent of the 
church in the latter day; and the confiderable diflincfion 
to be kept up between her and the world ? Does not the 
whole limit thereof round about, being moll holy, im- 
port, that all her ordinances are holy and fpiritual, not. 
ceremonial and carnal ; and that holiaefs ought to be the 
fhining quality of every member in her ? 

36. She is compared to an ho t jse or palace a, Gu~ 
rioufly Jefus contrived her whole form. Upon his own 
perfon, word, and righteoufnefs, he lays her foundation. 
With his chofen, his lively, and precious Hones, hewn 
out of the dark quarry of nature, by his Spirit ; quick- 
ened, formed, and polilned by his grace; and cemented 
together by himfelf, his love:, his blood, and ordinances; 
he rears her up. With f acred ftatutes, with provision of 
gofpel-truth, with unfearchable bleflings, he richly fur- 
nifhes her. What a place is fbe of fecreey, fafety, reft, . 
devotion, and fpiritual feaRing ! To prevent her decay 
and ruin, how frequently is fhe repaired with new ge- 
nerations of faints, and fupplies of gr^ce ! Her being 
founded on the tops of the mountains, and exalted above 
the hiiis, implies, that, remaining for ever founded on 
Jefus drift,' ths Rock of faivation, fhe mall be moil 
firmly and confpicuoufly fettled in the world, that mul- 
titudes may flow unto her. Her foundation of fapphires, 
is Chi ill. infinitely pure, precious, glorious, and durable; 
and his truths. H^r p weraent of fair-coloured ftones, 
is him as the all-glorious foundation of our holy walk ; 
or, it is faints of the lowed order beautified in him. 
Her windows of agates, mav fignify painful and fuccefs- 
fui miniilers, who convey light and knowledge to her, 
fsomher ^ioHousSun of righteoufnefs, and of infpi ration* 
Pr<37.ix. I, — 5, jsa, liv. 1 r, iz Rev. rr. 6, and XV. z t 

&3- 



2$0 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

Her doors and gates of carbuncles, are Jefus in his awful 
authority, fiery fuflferings, and glorious exaltation, as 
the means of our accefs to God ; or they are a love- 
working and zeal inflaming faith, whereby we join our- 
felves to him and his church : and may they not alfo re- 
prefent the zealous endeavours of miniflers to try per- 
sons, and admit to fealing ordinances only fuch as are 
vifibly faints, and faithful ? Her borders of pkafant 
Hones, are her precious, her comely, well fixed, and 
durable faints, ordinances, difcipline, and government. 
Her cedar beams and pillars, are the fragrant, firm, and 
sailing miniflers, fain ts,'promifes, and ordinances, where- 
by fhe is adorned and fupported. Her rafters and gal- 
leries of fir, are her fhadowy, refrcfhful, ard comely 
ordinances of divine grace, wherein we apprehend, re- 
tain, and walk with Chrift. Her chambers reprefent 
her ordinances as the means of fecret, fwcet, and fatis- 
fying communion with Chrifl: ; and of his blefiing us with 
]iis peculiar protection and prefence. Her wine-cellar, 
banqueting- houfe, and bed, are the fcriptures, the co- 
venant of grace, and efpecial fellowmip with Chriil ; by 
which we are fweetly refreihed, flrengthened, fathfied, 
delighted, inftrticled, and rendered fruitful in good 
works. Her table is the ordinances of God, whereon 
his fulnefs is exhibiced to us. Her throne of grace, is 
Jefus, as the fulfiller of all righteoufnefs, in whom God 
is for ever well-pleafed and reds* The fea of glafs before 
the throne, mingled with fire, on which the faints for 
ever Hand, and are bold before God, is Jefiio' all-cleanfin^, 
all-fupporting blood, as flowing from his flaming love, 
and applied by his Spirit of burning ; or it io the gofpei 
applied by the Spirit to our confeience, for encouraging 
us to bold appearances, and fupplications btfere God. 

37. She is compared to an inn a. For accomodating 
and refrefhing the people of God in theii heavenly jour- 
ney, is flie erected. Jn her, are miniftrrs appointed to 
wait on the travelling faints, and rffcrd them medicine, 
milk, or llrong meat, as their-cafe requires. Are not 
the two infpircd Teiramenti ; aie not minifterial gifts 
and places, the two-pence bellowed bv cur kind Sama- 
u Luke x 3.}. 



Of metaphors respecting the true church. 2rj 

r'itan upon thefe hcits on earth, for the affiitance of his 
people? And is not everlafting glorv their additional 
-reward ? Beware, my foul, of refting in ordinances or 
attainments ; but haiten forward to thy long home, the 
better country above. 

38. She refemhles a chamber and banojjeti*tg- 
house a. Flow richly furniihed with every thing come- 
ly.and ufeful ! with all the nourifhing fulnefs of God ! 
In her, how fweetly Jefus manifefts himfclf to his 
people ! feafts them with his goodneis ! allows them his 
intimate fellowship ! reveals to them his lecrets ! and pro- 
tects them from their foes ! 

39. She refembles a GREEN and well-guarded 
BED b. What fweet communion have the Saints here 
with Chrift, and with one another ! How fweetly here 
he dwells, and refts in his love ! With what amazing 
pleafure he here declares it to us, and makes us to en- 
joy its endearing fruits ! Is it not here, that faints and 
graces are begotten j are born ; are nourifhed ; and ap- 
pear with conitant verdure, glory, and freihnefs ! What 
armed guard of infinite perfections, of holy angels, and 
faithful minifters, fur round her on every fide ; alide- 
teraiined, during her night of trouble and time, to pro- 
tect her in fafety, and to execute vengeance on her foes! 

40. She is compared to a wall c. Eftablimed in the 
faith of his word, cemented by his perfon and blood, and 
by their mutual love, and fpiritual fellowfhip, her true 
members are built on Chritt the foundation. In them, 
and in her whole form, (lie is erected ftraight heaven- 
ward. How llrorig in him ! and what an ufeful means 
of protecting men f om the ftorms of temptation and 
wrath ! What a Separator between profeiied faints and 
profane finners ! Her towers are the oracles, ordinances, 
and ministers of God ; whereby (he oppofes her fpiritual 
enemies, when they come in like a Hood. The nlver 
palace built upon tier, implies her being the honoured 
habitation of Father, Son and Holy Ghoil; and that bj 
•her means, we afcend to the celeftial irate. 

41. She is compared to a door d. In her, Jefus the 

a Song i 4, *;;d ii. 4. b Song i. j6, and iii, 7, S, t Song viii. 9, io 3 
d Song vih, 9. 



2 $2 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

door, the way, the truth, and the, life, is exhibited ; and 
the door of faith, the door of gofpel offers* and of mens 
he. rts, is opened. She is the door of paflage to the in- 
nr chambers of endJefs felicity. Nor ought any, but 
v:fib!e faints, to be admitted to the chambers of her 
fealing infiitutions. And is fhe not diviniy incloied with 
the cedar- boards of ordinances, providences, and graces? 

42. She is compared to a golden candlestick a. 
How great her beauty and value ! From Chrifl the light 
ot : life are her gifts and graces lighted ; and by her 
doftrine, difcipline, and holy conveifation, fhe communi- 
cates the light of initru&ion to others. Her fituation in 
the world, is often varied ; and in the morning of endlefa 
glory, her prefent form mail be laid afide. Her oil is 
the gofpel and grace of God. The pipes of conveyance 
are faithful mir titrations of truth. The two olive-trees, 
that empty the oil out of themfelves, may fignify 
minifters, who commuiiicate gofpel-truth to others 5 or 
Chrift's natures and offices, whereby the Holy Ghofl is 
communicate to men. 

43. The church is like unto a FIRE b. In her dwells 
the Spirit of judgment and burning. In her is the word 
of God like unto fire, inflaming and melting the hearts 
of men. In her, what multitudes aie r< fined from their 
drofly corruptions ,' How terrible and Jcilruclive is me 
to her enemies ! 



CHAP. XIL 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING ANTICHRIST, AND OTHER 
FALSE CHURCHES. 

I. /CORRUPT churches are called flocks of Chrift's 
V> companions c. In mighty numbers they are ga- 
thered, nounfhed, directed, and governed by his oppo- 
fers ; and the doctrines and laws they attend to, and their 
cufton s and conduct, ar^ the rcverfe of thefc appointed 
by i- 

2. They are called synagogues o? Satan d In them 
cltev. i. 2o t *Obau.i8. rSgtiSUh 4 Kcv. ii. 9. 



Oj metaphors respecting Antichrist, &c. 253 

he dwells ; and by them he is worihipped. In them his 
doctrines are believed ; his laws obferved ; and his or- 
dinances attended. And his followers afTemble for fel- 
low/Lip in error, delufion, and wicked practices. 

3. They referable lukewarm water, and a cake 
not turned a. Pretending fome regard to divine 
truths and ordinances, but wanting the love thereof, 
they mix idolatry, and other corruptions, with fome re- 
mains of Goo's true worfhip ; fear him, and ferve their 
own gods ; and fo render theitifelves abominable to him. 
and his people ; and are in the utmcft hazard of being 
fpued out of his mouth into everlafting ruin. 

Why they are compared to old men with grey hairs 
without knowing it; and to roaring lions ; rapacious 
birds ; corrupt carcafes ; barren vineyards ; and empty 
vines. See in Jews, chap. xiii. § 2. No j. 

4. The Antichriftian ftate or Papacy, is called a man 
cf slN b. How wonderfully connected in its parts ! 
How marvelloufly all of them fympatnize with, and fup- 
port one another ! What pretence it makes to reafon, 
and to the advantage of mankind ! The Pope, who over- 
fees, directs, and governs, is the head; his fnbmiffive 
and wickedly active clergy are the hands 3 and their 
common jfutjecis the feet. And how monftroufly fin- 
fui and wicked the whole fyftem of his doctrines, laws, 
worihip, miracles, offices, officers, and couries ! 

5. Antichrift. is called the son of pfrdition c. By 
the deftructive vengeance of God on men, for net receiv- 
ing his truth in the love of it, was the rife thereof per- 
mitted. The Pope and his thorough paced agents, go 
about, feeking whom they may devour. Their do&rine, 
their laws, and example, effectually tend to the ever- 
lafting ruin of multitudes. Their beloved, their habi- 
tual labour, is to deilioy the fouls and bodies of men'. 

Theperiod of their power is a perilous time ; for they 
have conferences feared as with a hot iron, ignorant, and 
ftupiiied; they fpeakliesin hypccrily ; promote doc^. 
trines of devils, forbidding to marry, and to enjoy meats 
which God hath prepared for u(e ; they are lovers of 
themfelves, covetous, proud, bUfphemers, difobedient 
a Rev.iii, 15, 16. Ilosea viii., 8. b e 2 Xhess, ii. 3 2 Tim. iii. j,— 7» 



254 SACRED TROFOLOGY. 

to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affe&ion, 
truce-breakers, falfe accufers, incontinent, intemperate, 
fierce, heady, high-minded, defpifers, and haters ofthofe 
that are good. 

6. Antichrift is compared to a whore a. With ama- 
zing craft, filthinefs, and flattery, do the Pope and his 
factors, feduce multitudes into error, idolatry, will-wor- 
fhip, and other parts of fpiritual whoredom with them. 
For this end, how they deck up their offices and caufe, 
with the mod plauiible pretences to piety and reafon ! 
How they delude with the mod engaging outward ap- 
pearances of carnal pomp and fplendour ! Under pre- 
tence of chaftity, how they decry marriage, and yet 
wallow in all manner of uncleannefs ! The fcarlet-colour- 
ed bead with feven heads and ten horns, whereon (he 
rides, is the blafphemous and bloody empire of Rome, 
which had feven different forms of government; and is 
now divided into ten principal fovereignties, over which 
the Pope did, or doth exercife his power. The many 
waters whereon (he fitteth, are the noify multitude of 
people fubjeci to her authority. Her purple andfcarlct 
clothing, marks out the purple livery of her cardinals ; 
her amazing pride j her high pretences to more than 
royal fovereignty ; and her bloody persecution of ihe 
flints. The golden cup full of fi thinefs in her hand, is 
the unhallowed means (he takes to enfnare and defile the 
fouls of men. Her name on her forehead, Myftery, 
Babylon the great, the mother of harlots, and abomina- 
tions of the earth, imports her high pretences to lying 
wonders, and her aftonifhtng impudence in the filthieft 
crimes. Her being drunk with the blood of faints, im- 
plies her cruel and bloody perfecution of them, her de- 
lighting to murder and malTacre them. The burning 
of her fle(h with fire by the ten kings once fubjeft to 
her, implies their angry, utter, and fearful deftrnctiori 
of the Papal conftitution, power, and revenue, in the 
time appointed of God. 

7. Antichrift is called Sodom b. What pride, ful- 
nefs of .bread, and abundance of idlenefs, are with her 
numerous devotees ! What (hockino beitiality, Sodomy, 

a lie v. xv ii. 6 Rev. xi. 8. 



Of metaphors respecting Antichrist, &c> 255 

fornication, adultery, and every other fiefhly and mental 
impurity, prevail in Popifh. countries ! Do not you, 
Antichriflian clergy, for a pitiful price, allow men to 
pra&ice the vilefl abominations? What numbers of 
licenfed flews at Rome ! Are you not lovers of plea- 
lures more than lovers of God ? How oft ycu creep 
into mens houfes, to defile tbeir fpoufes and daughters 
with your whoredom and error I Pal! feeling, how you 
abandon yourfelves to all uncleannefs, to work it with 
greedinefs ! And mail not you, and your followers, like 
Sodom, be fet up as monuments of wrath, fuffering the 
vengeance of eternal fire ? 

S. Antichrifl is called Egypt a. How terrible the 
Popifh oppreflion of, and murdering the faints ! How 
fearful their deilruc~lion of the fools of men I How mock- 
ing and cruel, the fiavery of their fubjecls ! Kow ab- 
furd their fuperilition ! How bafe their idolatry in 
worshiping waxes, wafers, images of a crcfs, relics of 
dead men, pretended or real, &c. 

9. Antichrifl is called Babylon the great b How 
aflonifhing and wide-fpread the Popifh power and dc« 
minion ! How did their agents captivate and enflave 
the nations and people of God ! What magic, idolatry, 
fuperilition, perfecution, and murder, abound among 
thern ! And (hall not this flate and fyflem be over- 
thrown by the efpecial providence of God ! And Rome, 
its principal feat, reduced to alafling ruin ! The tenth 
part of this city ruined by an earthquake, is a part of 
the Romifh flate, perhaps Italy, overturned by the fear- 
ful judgments of God. 

io. Antichrifl is compared to a beast c. What ftu- 
pidity, abfurdity, and ignorance, prevail in his doctrines, 
laws, and members ! Its Tiling out of the fea, imports 
his obtaining of power amidfl times of trouble, confu- 
fion, perplexity ; and over multitudes of unfettled fub- 
je&s of the Roman empire. Its feven heads, fignify 
feven forms of government ufed at Rome, and iffuing 
and concentering in the Papacy. Its ten horns, are the 
ten kingdoms fubjecr. to Popery. Names of blafphemy 
in the forehead, imply open reviling of God and his 
a Rev. xi. 8. b Rev, xvii. 5. c Rev. xiii. 



256 SACRFD TROPOLOGY. 

truths; andofChrift, in his ofrce and work. Its feet 
of a bear, imply excefUve cruelty ; firm retention of vo- 
taries; and outrageous mur'er of men in their foul, bock* 
and name, its appearance of a leopard. imports craft cru- 
elty and being fpotted with abominations unnumbered. 
Its mouth of alion, importsthe roaring forth of frightful 
threatenings ; and the powerful exercife of devouring in- 
fluence. The healing of one of its wounded heads, implies 
the reftoration of power ro the city of Rome in the perfon 
of the Pope, after the Herculi and others extirpate the 
imperial ; or the reftoring to him the power he loit at the 
Proteftant Reformation. This firfl beaft reprefents An- 
tichritl in his civil influence. His rifing from the earth 
in form of another beaft, may denote the rife of his pow- 
er ecclefiaftic, from obfeuritv, by carnal means, and to 
promote earthly and carnal ends ; his being like a lamb, 
imports his pretence to innocency, purity, and ufeful- 
nefs ; and his ufurpation of Chrift's office as a Surety 
and Prieft, lis two horns, denote his connected civil 
and eccleiiaftical power ^nd authority; or his power of 
order and doctrine, binding and loofing, in the church. 
Its ipeaking like a dragon, imports his terrible curfes, 
eenfures, excommunications, againft his oppofers. His 
caufing men to make and worfhip an image of the firfl: 
beaft, may fignify his obliging them to reverence the 
poor fhadow of authority reftored to Rome by the Po- 
pifh clergy. His mark in men's hands, implies their 
fwearing to, or practicing his abominations. His mark 
on their foreneads, implies their bold and daring pro- 
feflion of his errors, idolatry, and iuperftition. Six 
hundred threefcore and fix, the number of his name, 
maiks out the Latin church, whofe Latin fervice was 
appointed in A. D. 666. The letters of this number 
form Lateinos and RoMiiTH, that is, Latin arid Romifl». 
Thr apparently regular conftructicn of this number, 
may denote the feeming regularity of the Antichriitian 
fyftem of doctrines, officers. Or (twenty-five) the 
fquare-root of this number, may point out the twenty- 
five articles of the Popifh creed, and their multitude of 
other matters regulate by twenty-five. 

11. The Antichrxftian ftaie is reprefented as a iiajbi- 



Of metaphors respecting AnWcbrht, &c. 257 

TATICN 0¥ DEVILS A CAGE OF EVERY UNCLEAN BIRD tf. 

la her Satan and his angels reign. Her principal mem- 
bers are a kind of devils incarnate. Her whole fyftera 
is conititute of unclean dcclrines, worihip, offices, offi- 
cers, cuftoms. Shall it not at length appear fo to men ? 
Shall not Rome, the reverend feat of her dignity, be- 
come an unfightly defolation ? 

12. The Antici": riftian ftate is reprefented as a visi- 
ble world b. Her earth may fignify her fundamental 
articles of the Pope's fupremacy, infallibility, i£c. Her 
fea, the honour and gain made by that reltgion. Ker 
rivers and fountains, her learned men, and their writings 
in her defence. Her fun, the civil authority that ani- 
mates and fupports her. The feat of the beait, her ge- 
neral conftitution ; or the dwelling of the Pope. Her 
mountains and iflmas. her deep-rooted remains of doc- 
trine, worfhip, difcipline, and government, together with 
her monaft? ries and confecrated dignities. Or may the 
eaith fignify Germany, end Poland, thejfe inland coun- 
tries ; the fea, Portugal, France, and Spain, which are 
alffloft furrounded with it ? the rivers and fountains of 
water, the north parts of Italy ? the fun, the Emperor 
or King of France? the feat of the beaft, the middle 
part of Italy, perhaps the fame with Armageddon ? the 
illands and mountains, Sicily, Malta, %§c, ? The vials 
poured out thereon, and the hail and earthquakes, are 
the terrible, harrailing, and overturning judgments of 
God, fent to deftroy her, 

13 The Pope is compared to a god c. By adding 
to, or taking from the word and worihip of God; by 
pretending to pardon fin, or indulge men in it; by u- 
furping Ch rift's headftiip ov.-r his church, and opponng 
his p^rfon, office, and grace ; by ufurping authority o- 
ver the civil magitrra e, enthroning and difpefing him 
at pleafure ; and by working pretended miracles to con- 
firm their abominations, he aiid his agents fetthemfelvc-s 
in the room of, and exdt theml.ives above God. 

14. The Pope is called the angel of the bofomlefs 

pit, whofe name in Hebrew and Greek is a deftro /er d m 

« Hev. xviiu 2. j> Rev. xvl c 2 Thess. ii, 4. d Kev. ix, j 1 i 






2 58 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

Sent, excited, and dire fled by Satan, be promotes tbe in- 
terests of hell ; ripens multitudes for its everlaft ing de- 
ilrucHon ; and with amazing craft and vigour, perfecutes 
the faints, who oppoie his defigns; is a fearful flum- 
bling-block to the jews, and ruinous plague to the 
Gentiles. 

ic. He refembles the King in Daniel's vifion, who 
doth accciding to his will, magnifies himfslf above every 
God, %S>c. a. Making his own pleafure his fole fupreme 
rule of conduct; he exalts hirnfelf above magiftrates, 
angels, and the true God ; blafphemes his Maker ;— 
at once contemns the idols of the ancient Heathen, and 
the God of the primitive Chriftians. Lawful marriage 
he vilipends, and prohibits to b<is clergy. Inllead of, 
and together with the true God, he honours the images 
of angels, the relics and pictures of faints; offers them 
rich prefents ; and for gain pretends to affign them their 
refpeciive countries, cities, occupations, and cafes,where- 
in to overfee, protect, and blefs. He rubs over great 
multitudes, which affembled by him, do, with him, fight, 
againfl. the Lord Jefus ; but in the end mail they be 
wrathfully overcome, and ruined, and the followers of 
Jefus enriched with their fpoil. 

16. He refembles the little horn in Daniel's vifion, 
which had eyes, fpake perverfe things, and fubdued 
three horns b. lnconliderable at flrit was his power, but 
quickly he made hirnfelf mailer of three fovireigntie*, 
the dukedom of Rome, the exarch at of Ravenna, and the 
region cf Pentapolis. With amazing craft and circum- 
fpection ; with numerous fpies prying into the councils 
cf rren ; with terrible blalphemy, boafting, perfecution, 
and cuifes, he did and doth promote his unhallowed in- 
terete. 



CHAP. XJ1I. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING NATIONS, ARMIES, FAMILIES, 
AND THEIR ADJUNCTS. 

THE metaphor ic representations comprehended under 
the title of this Chapter, are almofr inr.i'tnerablft 
a £an. xi. 36,-39. Kev. xix. 19,-21. b Dan. vii. 8. 



Of metaphors respecting tiations, &c. 259 

but being generally more reftri&ed in their Signification* 
and lefs edifying, no more is here intended, than fuch 
an explicatory fwatch, as may ferve for a key to the reft-. 

SECT. T. 

Of nations more generally conjidercd. 

1. All nations are reprefented as the two sons of a 
family a. The Jews are the elder, the Gentiles the 
YOUNGER The former, God, by his word, required to 
work in the vineyard of his church. Fair they engaged, 
and readily they promifed to ierve him ; but qaickly 
broke their engagement. Long the Litter lived in open 
rebellion ; at" laft, influenced by his converting grace-, 
they repented and complied with his call. — Long, like 
prodigals, they deferred their Father's family and church, 
till detp fenfe of their fpiritual n^ed brought themrto 
themfelves, and made ihem enquire what they mould do 
to be faved. How readily then did Jehovah meet them 
in mercy ! embraced them with love ! arrayed thefii 
with the beft robe of his Son's righteuofnefs ! feafted 
them with his flefh and blood ! sdorned them with his 
ordinances and influences ! But why, ye Jews, did you 
repine at his honouring them above you, who had long 
been his peculiar children and fervants ? Was it not 
meet, there mould be an abundant difplay of heavenly 
bounty and gladnefs, when God's fo long loft children 
were found ! when your fo long dead brethren were 
made alive? — Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people, for 
to him we feek 5 in him we truft ; and his reft (hall be 
rlorious. 

2, All nations are compared to the small drop of a 
bucket, dust of the balance, and nothing before God b. 
How fmall, infignificant, unfubftantial, worthless ! How 
eafily toiled, troubled and ruined! What then, Lord, 
am I, one man, the dregs of my race, that I fhould poflVTs 
the great Unknown ! the infinite All ! 

3. The Gentile nations, before the fpreadof the gofpel, 

are called a little sister without breads c. Though 

4 Matth. xxi. 28,-32, Luke xv« 11,-32, b Isa. xl. 15, 17. 
€ Song yiii.8, 

Y 2 



56C SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

many of their progeny were chofen by, and in the pur- 
pofe of God united to Chrift ; yet they made no appear- 
ance as a church ; had no breads of infpired oracles, di- 
vine oidinances, or gofpel-miniilers, wherewith to edify 
the fouls of men. 

4. Perhaps the Gentile nations are compared to a bar- 
ren, DESOLATE, ar;d refufed woman a. And they are 
called a nation Chrift knew not. Before his death, they 
for many ages produced aimed no child) en to him. They 
were cleferted and rejected of him. He took no peculiar 
notice of them : brought them into no church-lation to 
Kim. Bat, bleffed be the Lord, more have now been the 
fpiritual children of this barren woman, than ever were 

of the Jewifh church Butperhaps this barren woman, 

fignitiesthe church during ChriiTs peifonalprefence with 
her on earth. And the children of the defolate being 
more than they of the married wife, implies, that after 
C brill's withdrawment to heaven, the converts to him 
fhould be mod numerous. 

5. The Gentiles before the fpread of the gofpel among 
them, are called foreigners b. They were without 
vifibk'intereft in, or connection with God is Chrift. 
Deiiitute of the offers of his grace, the doctrines of his 
word, or the laws of his kingdom. They had no fpiritual 
feilewfhip with his holy nation ; no claim to his cove- 
nants of promife ; no hope of a Median, or falvation by 
him, or of a refurre&ion to eternal life. Deftitute of 
the knowledge, the image, the fear, the worfhip, and 
faving fellowship of God. Thrice happy ! thefe once 
afar off, are brought nigh by the blood of Chrift ! But 
ah ! what multitudes of perfons and nations ftill remain 
in that wretched condition ! 

6. Nations without the church, before, or after ihe 
death of Chrift, are compared to a desert wilderness c. 
How barren and unprofitable to God, and to one another ! 
Not plowed with his influence; nor fown with his 
word, ordinances, or grace; nor hedged about with his 
fpecial government and protection : no way of holinefs 
that leadeth to life; no flocks of converted men, nor their 
foot-fteps ; no fwcet fruits of holy men. or truly righ- 

« Joa. liY. I, 4, 6 anu lv. 1. b Sph. ii. 20. s lsa. xxxv, i, 6> 7. 



Ofmetaphors refpeBing nations ■, &e. 261 

teous works; no wells of falvation ; nor green paftures 
of evangelic inftitutions ; no bread of life, were, or are 
there to be found. — But ah! what evil beafts ! what 
wicked angels and men ! what perplexity and unfettled- 
nefs of mind, how to fatisfy an immortal foul! what 
furrounding hazards of eternal confequence ! what blafts 
of conquering temptation, and wrathful calamity ! what 
mifts of ignorance, idolatry, profanenefs, delufion, and 
will-worfhip abound ! 

7. Particular nations are compared to the universe a. 
The more glorious part of their members and laws are 
the heavens, and luminaries thereof; and the reft the air, 
the earth, and the rivers. The magiftrates are repre- 
fented as God> as children, as minifters of God ; becaufe 
in his name, they rule over, and are revered and obeyed 
by their fubje&s. The fword they bear not in vain, is 
their power and authority to protect the innocent, and 
punim the offenders. 

8. Particular nations are reprefetited as families hi 
The country as the mother; the magiftrates as fathers, 
who cherifh, govern, protect, and provide for the people ; 
who are the children, the fons, or daughters — Some- 
times the principal city is reprefented as the motiier ; 
and the lefTer cities, fuburbs, or villages, are termed the 
daughters. — Sometimes for likenefs of manners, natu- 
ral relation, %3c. one nation is defigned the fifter of a- 
nother. 

9. They are compared to harlots e, m What deceit- 
ful and bafe methods they oft take to promote their 
trade, their power and authority ! How oft they boaft 
of, and feduce thefe around, to idolatrous and whorifh 
departing from God ! How juftly God executes upon 
them the judgment of whorifh women, ftirring up their 
friends to hate and harrafs them ; and openly deftroying 
them in the fire of his wrath ! 

10. They are compared to travailing women d. 
How oft J how* fuddenly ! how terribly pained, and tor- 
mented, with divine judgments ! How oft pained, at- 

a Isa. xxiv. Mark xrii. 24,; 25. Psal. Ixxxii. 6. Rom. xiif. 4. 
b Psa!. exxxvii. 8,9. c Isa. xxiii. 15, 16. Neh. 111,4. Ezek. xvi, 
and xxiii, Jer. ni, d Isa xxiii. 4. Jer. xvi. 24. Hosea xiii. iu 

1 3 



26^ SACRED f ROPOLOGY. 

tempting to perform their purpofes ! How dft they tra- 
vail, without bringing forth any deliverance ! How oft 
they bring forth wickednefs ! Ye nations, how gracious 
are you when pangs of adveriity eome upon you ! Then 
perhaps you return, and enquire right early after God ; 
but how oft then rejected of him ! 

11. They are compared to animal bodies a, Magif- 
traSes and honourable perfons are the head, which a- 
dorns, directs, and manages them. Falfe teachers, and 
the low mob, are the tail and feet ; mofl ufelefs and 
contemptible. No foundnefs from the fole of the foot 
to the crown of the head, implies the finful corruption, 
or the diflrefs of all ranks, high and low. The head 
lick, and the heart faint, implies, that the rulers, and 
mofl active and animating perfons, are corrupted, per- 
plexed,, and difcouraged. To (have off the hair of the 
beard, the head and feet, is frumefully to cut off, and 
carry captive both great and fmall. Fatnefs, implies a- 
bundance- of men, wealth, or profperity. Leannefs, im- 
ports fewnefs of perfons, and poverty of condition. 
Palenefs, implies fhame and confuiion. To wax old, is 
to lofe courage, vigour, (Irength, or authority — Ma- 
gistrates are the breath of their noftrils, whereby their 
life, vigour, and influence are maintained. 

12. They are reprefented as fyftems of BEASTS of the 
field, air, or fea b. And magiftrates are reprefented as 
the principal animals of thefe kinds, as lions, bears, ea- 
gles, dragons, leviathan. Sometimes for their refrefh- 
ful, protecting, and fupporting influence, magiftrates are 
reprefented as trees, on which their fubje£ts do neille ; 
or under which they fhelter themfelves. Sometimes 
horns denote their kings, who defend their own, and har- 
rafs others. 

13. They are compared to herds and flocks c. The 
country is their fold and pailure. P/I ^giftrates are their 
fhepherds, who watch over, protect, govern, and pro- 
vide for their fubje&s. Great men are their rams, he- 
goats, bulls, kinc ; and if in prolperiiy rendering them 

a Isa vii. 14, 15, and i, 5, *, and vii. 20, ami xvii.4, aid xxix. 21. 
Lam. iv. 20. b Van. iv. iz. Ezc*. xxix. andxxxi. 

c Jer. xxiiu £zefc, xxXiv. 



Of metaphors respecting nalio?ts, &c. 263 

confpicuous and ftrong, they are reprefented as fat or 
fed. 

14. They are likened to HEIFERS a, Fair and fat 
heifers reprefent them in their glory and profperity. 
Keifers taught^ reprefent them as accuflomed to fubjec- 
tion Back-fliding heifers, reprefent them as perverfe- 
ly apoftatifing from God. To cry or lift up the voice 
like an heifer of three years old, is to cry and '.vail very 
bitterly and outrageouily. 

15. They are compared to the firmament, for their 
confpicuous appearance and glory h; for their difrin— 
guifhed brightnefs and influence ; rulers and great men 
are reprefented as the fun, moon, and liars, 

i6. They are compared to a country c. And their 
magiitrates and great men are likened to mountains and 
hills 5 which overtop, overfhadow, and protect the reft. 
The conftitution of government is the foundations. And 
divine judgments are reprefented as florins, droughts, 
earthquakes. 

17. Theyare compared to a sea, or waters rufhing^y 
becaufe of their numbers ; their noife f their unfettled 
ftatej their haughty threatening, and actual overwhelm- 
ing of the nations around ; and fometimcs becaufe dwell- 
ing on the fea-coaft.- — — A breach like the fea x denotes 
a very wide one. 

18. They are likened to a forest e : becaufe of the 
multitude of perfone, cities, and villages. And rcagi- 
ftrates and great men are reprefented as tall trees, top 
branches ; and thofe of low[condition, as low trees* 

19. They are reprefented as vineyards/". Hedged 
about with government, kept, and cultivate by rulers*, 
how great the order, and advantage of their connected 
flate ! Cities are the boughs and branches, Multitudes 
of people are the fruit. Two or three berries left, %* 
nify a final! remnant faved in the vintage of defolating 
judgments. — A forfakeri bough, is a defolate city. To 
glean, and turn the hand into the bdket, is gradually 

a Isa. xv. 5. Jer. xlvi. 20, and xlviii. 34. b Fev. vi. 12, ---14, 
andviii. 10, xi. e Psal, ixxii. 3. d Tea. xvii. 12. Jer. x'ix. 23... 

Rev. vii. 1. Isa.lx. 5. Lam. ii, 13. e Hosea ii. iz, Ez^k, xx. 46. 
/ Isa. xvii, 6,— -1 4, and xxiv. »j, Jer, vi.^. 



264 SACRED TROPOLGY. 

to cLftroy, or lead captive ibe remnant left at the firft. 
To plant the vineyard wick fcrange flips, is to bring in 
foreip 1 p >ple, dS&fines, or cuftoms into a nation. Lord, 
how eanly caml thou plant or pluck up, deflroy branch 
and ruin, in one day ! 

20. They are likened to heath a t to reprefent their 
barrennefs; witherednefs; and contemptiblenefs ; and 
their not profiting by the means of prcfperity or grace. 

2r. They are likened to a crop of corn b ; for their 
multitude of perfons; their comelinefs; glory; and 
promifing ufefulnefs. Gleaning of ears, implies the care 
of a conquering enemy to kill, to carry captive the whole 
nation. 

22. They are likened to stubble r, to denote, that 
they are brought to the utmolt contempt; are trodden 
down by their enemies ; or have only an infignificant 
remnant left. They are reprefented as dry ftubble, to 
imply their ripenefs for the judgments of God, and no- 
thing elfe. They are reprefented as ftubble before the 
wind, to mark how eafily and quickly they fball be dri* 
ven out of their place. 

23. They are compared to chaff, or chaff of the 
mountains^, to reprefenthow infignificant they are: how 
readily expofed to ftorms, and changes ©f lot; and that 
the higher they life in pomp and g^eatnefs, the more 
obnoxious they are to ruin. How eafily, O moil Hi^h, 
canlt thou, with the wind ot deftruction, chafe ; and tofs 
the mightieft nations, from place to place! How readi- 
ly canft thou rebuke them! and with the breath of thy 
providence, make tnem flee afar off, and hurl them out 
ot the world ! 

24 They are comua red to horns e, becaufe oftheir 
co.ifpicuoufnefs, their power and authority to defend 
themfeives, or harrafs and ruin others. The four horns 
that icartered Juiai , are the Samat.tans, Ammonites, 
Arabians, and oti.er nations who harraffed them, after 
the captivity. Ten horns upon one bealt, fignify ten 

Jer. xvii. 6, and xlviu. 6. b Ud xvii. 5. c Psal. Ixxxiii. 13, 

Jss. xl.ii 14 Jer. x . 74. Nah. 1. 10, d Isa. xvii. i> 

tZcttiiiS. Rev. xin. and xvii. 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews. 165 

kingdoms or fovereignties formed oat of the Roman em- 
pire. 

25. They are likened to a potter's vessel a. It is 
thine, O Jehovah, to form them as thou pkafefl ; thine- 
to appoint them to honour or dMhonaur. Kow hafe in 
thcffifelves ! but how curious thy formation of . them ! 
How impoflible to refit them, if once marred in the hand 
of thy providence ! 

SECT. II. 

Of metaphors refpe&ing the jews, Egyptians, JJp\>riatts t 
Chaldeans, Perfians, Greeks t Romans, Ty riant 9 lurks t 
with their adjuncls. 

I. Of the Jews. 

I. r I ^HE Jews are likened to an elder son b. They 
JL were God's firft-born , firft of the nations, he di- 
ftinguifhed them in his favour: readily they profefied 
the hio-heft regard to the divine law, ana came under the 
foleraneil engagements to obedience; y t after continuing 
many ages in peculiar relation to God toey wilfully 
defpifed his counfel, and reje&ed the Mtffiah ; iinfully 
th-y fretted, and many of them blafphemed, becaufe un- 
der the gofpel, the Gentiles were more highly favoured 
of God than themfelves. 

2. They referable the rick man in the parable c Glo- 
rying in their wealth, their numerous rites and tradi- 
tions j their relation to God, and their pious anceftors ; 
they contempt uoufly rejected the debased Saviour j while 
unclean publicans, harlots, and Heathens, received hi;n. 
Notwithstanding of ail their poaip, the flaming vengear.ee 
of God came upon them. Terrible and hopelefs were the 
torments and ixiiferiesthey were plunged into ; nor could 
the covenant made with Abraham their anceflor yield 
them any relief; nor could their defperate wiihes obtain 
further evidence of Jeius' Meiliahihip, for themfelves, 

a Jer. xviii. 1,— 10. b Luke xv. n, 26,-32* Matth. xxi. 2$. 
\c Luke xvi. 19,-31. 



266 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and their various fects ; or for their brethren of the ten 
tribes. 

3. They are likened to an infant lying in blood; 
vile, unpitied, unaffifled of men, but quickened, furnifh- 
ed, .adorned, and efpoufed of God a Not for their 
righteouf^!efs , fake, but for his name's fake, he raifed 
them up from an idolatrous, polluted, and dtfpicsble 
origin. Marvel lou fly he preferved and multiplied them 
into a nation in Egypt. Though contemned and hated 
of all around, he honoured them with his peculiar fa- 
vours and laws ; entered into folemn covenant with them; 
fupported their arms of power and influence, and taught 
them to walk in his law; gave them a pleafant land flow- 
ing with milk and honey ; formed them into the then 
only church; and into one of the moll honourable king- 
doms that ever exifted. 

4. They are likened to a delicate woman b. How 
proud of their diflinguifhed privileges \ How unprepared 
for, and unable to endure adverlity, when expofed to it 
by the Chaldeans ! 

5. They are reprefented as a mother and family 
in eondage c ; to mark out their fubjection to the ce- 
remonial law ; their lying under the power of fin, Satan, 
and the broken law; and their expofure to fad diftrefs 
and (lavery for rejecting Chrift. 

6. They are likened to an harlot d. Contrary to e- 
quity, to decency, and to folemn covenant with God, 
they forfook his law, worshipped idols, and polluted 
themfelves with every abominable courfe. Treacherous 
ly they diilrufted and rejected the Lord, imitate the 
idolatry, and relied on the affiftance of the Egyptians, 
Aflyrians, and Chaldeans. For a while thefe of Judah 
and Benjamin condemned the enormities of Sodom and 
the ten tribes ; but, though warned by their deiiruclion, 
they at lait furpafled them in wickednefs, and fo juftified 
their conduct. They had a whore's forehead, ruining 
impudently on fin; and of their own motion, and at their 
own expciice, feeking after finful connection with the 
Heathen, and communion with them in their falfe wor- 

« Ezek. xvi. 1,-— 15. b Jer. vi. 2. c Gal. iv. 25. 
d Lick. xvi. and xxiii. Jeiyii, 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews. 267 

fliip. Long God hired them with a goodly land, and 
favours innumerable, to be for him and not for another ; 
but, provoked with their treacherous crimes, he punifh- 
ea them by the hand of thefe nations they had fo fond- 
ly relied on, and imitate ; he-cafl them out of their church- 
relation to him, and refufed to fhtw them mercy. But 
rejoice, you feed of Jacob, you mall be as though you 
had not been call off. In the wild. rnefs of adverfity, 
God (hallfpeak unto your heart ; and>make you return. 
to your former hufband, with whom it was better with 
yoi* than now. Though the virion tarry, wait for it, 
for at the end it will fpeak, and will not tarry. 

7. They are reprefented as a woman cart into the 
mid ft of an ephah, with a talent of lead above her, and 
carried by winged women to the land of Shinar a ; to 
denote, that after filling up the meafure of their iniquity, 
God mould caufe them to feel the fearful weight there- 
of, and by his blaft of wrath and inftrutnents thereof, 
mould carry them out of Canaan, and for many age* fix 
them in a ftate of difperfion, unfettlednefs, and wo! 

8. They are likened to a perfon with grey hairs, 
without knowing it b. What tokens of weaknefs and 
guilt I what figns of approaching ruin were among the 
ten tribes before their captivity! What multitudes of 
prevailing abominations ! What furious contentions ! 
What murdering of kings and nobles ! What multitudes 
of lefTer judgments unfuccefsful, none of which were 
laid to heart ! 

9. They are likened to a perfon HALF STRIPPED of 
her clothing <?. When the Chaldeans invaded their 
country, and led them captive, how was their land Grip- 
ped of her inhabitants I and they ftripped of their wealth, 
their honour, their fafety ! How expofed to fhame and 
difgrace ! What abominable filthinefs was revealed by 
their punifhment ? 

10. They are compared to the men of Sodom and 
Gomorrah d. How abandoned to unnatural lull ! How 
fhamelefs in finning! How ready their people to commit, 
arid their rulers to protect the vileft crimes! In the Af- 

« Zech. v. 9,-— ii. I Hosea vii. 9. 

c Jer. aiii. 22, to 27, rf Isa. i. 10, 



268 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

fyrian ha rr aliment, and Chaldean captivity, how juftly 
expoftd, as public mcnnments cf divine wrath ! 

ii. They are l;k?nrd to a speckled bird, againft 
which all the fowls around affemhled a, How diftinguifh- 
ed from others by their ordinances, laws, and cuflorns !. 
And how hated, andfeughr.for todeftruclio.;, by the na- 
tions around ,' And ah! how fpotted with their own cor* 
ruptions ! But the word rather fignifies a taloned ra- 
pacious FOWL, and rcprefents them as ready to perfe- 
Cttte God's faints; ready to abufe his mercies, by flying 
in his free, breaking his laws, and tearing his honours; 
on which account, he gathered the nations againft them, 
to deftroy them. 

1 2 They are reprefented as lions, as roaring lion's 
b. In their ancient glory and in t he time of the Maccabees 
they did ; in the return from their prefent difperfion, 
they m?ll boldly encounter and furmount every difficul- 
ty, fubdue every oppofer, ftrike terror and difmay into 
all around. But in the (Jays of Jeremiah, how outrage- 
ouflr they roared againft God, his prophets, his ordi- 
nances, Iris word and providence! Tneir ftate is likened 
to a lioness. After JouVn's death, {he furoimed the 
throne with Jehoahax, Jehoi&kim, Jehoiachin, and Ze- 
dekiah, who, for their outrageous oppreffion of their 
people, their roaring againft God and bis fervants, and 
the like, are called lions ; and by the kings of Egypt, n^d 
Bibylon, were fucceffively taken, removed from their 
ft tion, and difqualified for injuring their fubjecls. 

i$. They are likened to wild asses and dromeda- 
ries c. Rcfufing fubj-ction to the yoke of God's 1 w, 
they vainly wandered after their own fancies, fnuffed up 
the idolatries and delulions of the Heathen, hur.ful and 
urrfubftantial ; luftfully traverfed all their ways, un- 
fettlcdly following now, one idol and wicked ccurfc; a- 
non, another. 

14. They are likened to a THRESHING ex, with horns 
of iron, and hoofs of brafs d. In the time of ihe Macca- 
bees they did; in the beginning of the millennium, they 

aJcr. xii. 9. b Micah. v, 8. Je;\ i, 8. Ezek. xix. 

c Jer. ii. 23, 24. JMicahiv. ij. 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews. 269 

fhall, by the afiiftance of Heaven, pufh off, refill, and 
tread down their oppofers. 

15. They are likened to WILD bulls in a net a. Mow 
filled with perplexity and rage, when God brought them 
into the entangling hands of the AlTyrians and Chalde- 
ans ! With what brutim ftupidity,they poured forth their 
roaring complaints ! How efft&ually every attempt to 
refcue tbemfelves, entangled them more and more! Ah! 
how like my foul under trouble ! 

z6. They are likened to an HEIFER b. God taught 
them, by giving them his Jaws. He paiTed over their fair 
neck, by encouraging them with profperity, or by alarm- 
ing them with adverfity. Ke made Ephraim to ride, by 
ftvengthening the. ten tribes ag-ainll Judah in the days of 
Jeroboam the fecond, and of Ptkah the fon of Remaliah; 
or made them to be rode upon, by giving the AlTyrians 
power to captivate and opprefs them. Judah's ploughing, 
and Jacob's breaking his clods, may import the Jews fla- 
very in Chaldea. Their ploughing wickednefs, reaping 
iniquity, and eating the fruit of lies, imply their pro- 
ceeding from evil to worfe, and receiving at laft the due 
reward of their crimes ; when like backfliding heifers, 
they had long periifted in obftinate apoftacy from God. 

17. They are reprefented as abufed, loft, and Scatter- 
ed flieep c, Ah how abufed, opprefTed, and milled by 
their wicked rulers, and falfe prophets ! How, in their 
captivity, driven from their pailure in the promifed 
land ! fcatteied one from another i expofed to injuries, 
unnumbered !£deftitute of order, and without folemn af-. 
fembling to worftiip ! Once, what a beautiful flock, a 
comely church, and nation, cared for, nourifhed, and 
protected of God ! But, especially fiuce the death of 
Chrift, what a Hock of (laughter and wo ! 

18. They a re likened to vipers ; serpents ; spiders«2V 
How full of deafhful malice and corruption ! How 
defperately fet upon, and crafty in doing mifebief I 
Their idolatrous courfes, and laboured fchemes of felf- 
prefervation, were a weaving of fpiders webs • might 
entangle others, but were iufufficieot for every good 

« I93. li. 20, 4 Hosea x, io, n. e Ezek, xsxiv. i$, Jer. 1. 6, f, 
d Isa, lix. 5, 6, 

z 



£70 SACRED TJIOTOLOGY. 

purpofe* Nay, as cockatrice eggs, breaking forth into 
vipers, infallibly procured their ruin. 

19. Particular tribes of Ifraelare likened to particu- 
lar animals a. Judah to a lion, becaufe of their diffin- 
guifhed royalty, power, and furious deftru&ion of their 
enemies. Jofeph's feed to a young bullock, becaufe of 
their glory, their ftrength ; and their royalty, among 
the ten tribes. Ah, how changed, when, like filly doves 
without heart, without hope, wifdom, or care, to avoid 
the deft ruction and ravage of the Afiyrian bands ! Ifftch- 
ar to an ass for their ftrength, patience, and labour in 
hufbandry. Dan to a lion's whelp and serpent, for 
their daring courage in war, and their craft in deftroy- 
ing their enemies. How like a lion's whelp, when leap- 
ing to the borders of Balkan; to take Laiih ! How, in 
Samfon, did they like a ferpent bite the horfe heels, 
and make the Philiftines on their temple, and other wife, 
to fall backward ! Benjamin to a ravening wolf, for 
their warlike courage, and their readrnefs to take the 
prey from their enemies. Naphthali to a hind let loofe, 
becaufe of their kind and lovely behaviour, and their 
expedition in bufinefs. Cad to a lion, becaufe of their 
daring boldncfs, and their fafe dwelling befide enemies. 
Ah, how T fin changed the condition cfthofe Jews ! made 
them under trouble rear like bears; mourn fore like 
doves ; hifs as ferpents ; wail as diagons ; and enlarge 
their balefnefs as eagles ! 

20. They are likened to the hairs of a man's head b. 
How weak and infignificant ! The {having or cutting 
them off, imports the killing or carrying them captive ; 
or the unhinging of their church and ftate by the Chal- 
deans. The third part burnt in the midft of the city, 
pourtrayed by Ezekiel on a tile, reprefent about a third 
part killed by famine 'and peftilence within Jerufalem, 
during its fie^e by the Chaldeans. The third part fin it- 
ten about with a knife, reprefent them who were (lain 
by the Chaldeans. The third part fcattered in the wind, 
reprefent them who were taken captive ; a few of which 
being left in the land, and by their going down to Egypt, 
and thus bringing upon themfelves the fufpicion of 

a Gen. xlix. Dtut. xxxiii. 17, 21, 21. b Ezek. v. 1, — 4. 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews. 271 

having murdered Gedaliah, Nebuchadnezza'rjs deputy, 
provoked the Chaldeans againft their brethren, and be- 
came a fource of fiery plagues and trials to them. 

21. They are likened to flourishing boughs ; lign- 

ALOES ; GREEN OLIVES ; CEDAR- TREES a. Planted of 

God, their nation was long powerful, delightful, ufeful, 
and glorious ; but, for their fin, how given up at bit to 
the withering and fierj'- judgements of God ! You flou- 
rishing kingdoms, be not high-minded, but fear* You wild 
olive Gentiles, who are graffed into God's church in 
their (lead, take heed left he, who fpared not thefe na 
tural branches, but cut them off, mould alfo not fpare you. 

22. They are likened to barren fig-trees b. Amid 
their fair, flourifhing, and wide-fpread leaves of pro- 
feffion, how deilitute of good \vorks, even when Jefus 
was among them ! Forty years afcer his death, his in- 
terceffion procured the fpaiing of them, till by his goi- 
pel and leffer llrokes, he had digged and dunged about 
them. But continuing barren, they were, by the axe 
of the Roman troops, cut down, and quickly withered 
away under his curfe. In more ancient times, were not 
thefe carried captive with Jehoiachin as good figs, ac- 
ceptable and ufeful ? and thefe who continued behind, 
bad ones, unprofitable and hateful ? 

23. They are likened to a vineyard and viNEf. God 
gave them the fertile land flowing with milk and honey, 
the ftony and ftubborn Canaanites he digged Gut from be- 
fore them. The wall and hedge of his protection and law 
he affigned them. The wine-prefs of his tabernacle, tem- 
ple, and ordinances, he built among them. With the rain 
of his oracles, the dew of his favours, he watered them. 
Originally they were a right feed ; a choice vine ; the 
feed of Abraham, Ifaac, and Jacob, God's friends, who 
commanded their houmolds to walk in the way of the 
Lord ; but how fadly they degenerate into the plant of a 
ilrange vine; became like the Heathens around! When 
much fruit might have been expected from them, they 
became an empty vine; without good fruit, and fo only 
fit for, and expofed to the fiery vengeance ot God; 

a Numb. xxiv. 6. Rom. xi. i6, 17. Jer. xi. 16. b Luke xiii. 

6,-9. Matth. xxi. 19, Jer. xxiv. c Ha. v. 1,— C } Ezek, xv. 

Peui, xxxii. 32, 33. 

Z2 



272 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

bringing forth fruit to thernfelves, feeking their own 
carnal ends, not the glory of God, in whatever they did. 
They became a vine of Sodorn : eminent for pride, lux- 
ury, uncleannefs, bringingforth wild grapes of idolatry, 
murder, and every other wickednefs; four grapes, that 
fet the teeth on edge; bitter cinfters, grapes of gall ; 
wine, the poifon of dragons and cruel venom of afps : 
finful courfes, infinitely difagreeable to God, hurtful 
to others, and in the iffue ruinous to thernfelves. Ye 
Proteftant churches confider thefe things and be afraid. 

24. They are likened to BEW, and repreiented as a 
blessing amidft the nations a* In the apoftolic age, the 
gofpel went cut from them; was fpread among the Gen- 
tiles by them. Then, and in the lafldays, what blefled 
means they. of refreshing the nations, and converting ma- 
ny to Chrifi ! 

25. They are likened to sticks or staves b. The 
joining of two flicks, denotes the uniting of the poflerity 
of Judah and Benjamin, after their Chaldean or prefent 
captivity, with the other ten tribes. The ftnfFof beauty 
is the blefTed gofpel granted to them; or the glorious 
conflitution of their church and ftate. The ftaff of bands 
denotes their mutual affe&ion and harmony. The break- 
ing of thefe twoftaves, imports God's depriving them of 
the gofpel, and of their ecclefiaftic and national date, 
and giving them up to furious contentions and difordcr. 
The inilruments of a foolim fhepherd, denote the ruinous 
devices of their leaders and pretended Meffiahs ; or the 
oppremwe meafures of the Romans and others towards 
them. Lord, thefe who defpife thee, mail be utterly 
ruined and contemned. 

26. The)' are reprefented as a carcass gathered to 
by the eagles c. Separated from God, the life of their 
foul, 2nd church-, apoftatifed from his quickening 
truths ; deft ittrte of his enlivening grace ; how over- 
spread with lothfome and noifome corruption! How de- 
ttrflable to God and his people! How furrounded, fou°ht 
oo^ht, murdered and ruined by the eagle-bannered Ko- 



a Micah v. 7. Isa. xix. 24. h Ezek. xxxvjf, 16,— -19. 

Zech.xi. 7, 10. 14. * Luke avu. ^4. 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews, 273 

^7. They are likened to DRY bones in a valley revi- 
ved by means of prophecy a. During their Chaldean 
captivity, they lived in alow plain country; they were 
reduced to a molt abje6t and debafed condition. The ap- 
pearance, the hope, and the delire of their reftora- 
tion, were almoft extincl. But by Cyrus proclama- 
tion, and the influence of Heaven, their graves of 
diflrefs were opened ; the impediments in their way 
were removed ; their fpirits were animate to return 
to their country, and refettle their nation. At prefent 
their condition is ftill more wretched, and apparently 
hopelefs : but by the wind of the Holy Ghoft, and the 
favourable breath of fmiling providences (hall God re- 
cover them from it. Lord, haften thy work, that we 
may fee it. 

28. They are reprefented as reprobate silver b. In 
Jeremiah's time, and at prefent, amid all their fair pre- 
tences, how ufelefs and unworthy ! Rejected of God, 
and abhorred of men ! Not purged from their drofs of 
corruption in the furnace of trouble; but becoming 
worfe and worfe ! 

29. They are likened to bottles filled with wine c. 
By the Chaldean troops God filled them with calamity, 
perplexity,, and afionifhment. And ah ! what broken 
bottles ; whofe breaches God alone could heal and re- 
pair ! 

30. They are reprefented as a vessel, wherein is no 
pleafure d. How wretched, baff-, and marneful, their cap- 
tive (late! How were they defiled with the dung of re- 
proach^ contemned, abhorred, and counted as the oif- 
fcouring of all things ! 

31. Ttiey are likened to an earthen vessel marred 
in the hand of the potter e. How mean their origin I 
How curioufly God framed them into a church and na- 
tion, 'on the wheel of his providence! How awfully he at 
laft broke them to pieces in his wrath ! 

3 2. They are reprefented as a linsn GIRBLE MARRED, 
lying in a hole by the river Euphrates f, By fpecial 
covenant care, and worlhip, God had caufed them lo 

a Ezek. xxxvii. 1, 10, 14, k Jer. vj, 30. c Jer. xili. 12, d Hosea 

viii. S. e Jer. xix. f Jer. xiii. 1, 11* 



274 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

cleave to him, as his peculiar people ; but for their (in, 
he gave them up, to be carried to Chaldea, on the banks 
cf the Euphrates, where their glory was marred, and 
their public worfhip rnoftly difufed. 

33. Jerufalem, their principal city ; and Samaria the. 
metropolis of the ten tribes, are reprefented as moun- 
tains or hills a ; becaufe they were built en hills; and 
•were confpicucus in glory and wealth. 

34. jeruialem, is reprefented as a city pourtrayed on 
a tile b ; to fignify its contemptible and weak condition, 
before the Chaldeans took it. The iron pan fur round- 
ing this portrait, fignified God's determinate purpofe 
to punifh the inhabitants ; and the Chaldeans fixed rage 
againft, and their fafe and determined liege of the city, 
Ezekiel's lying three hundred and ninety days before 
this portrait on his left fine, and forty on his right, 
to bear the iniqui.y of Ifrael and Judah, fignified that 
in the Chaldean deft ruction of Jerufalem., God would 
have an eye to the Jews continuance for three hun- 
dred and ninety years, in approving the fin of the 
ten tribes ; and their having grievouily rebelled them- 
felves, during forty j^ears of Manafleh's reign, or 
from the thirteenth year of Jofiah, to the eleventh of 
Zedekiah. 

35. She is compared to a fountain r. Ah, how her 
inhabitants call: forth and diffuled wickednefs, through 
every part cf their conduct! and fpread evil courfes into 
the cities and country around I 

36. She is compared to a furnace d. How the flam- 
ing wrath of the Lord raged againit her inhabitants ! 
In her, how he tried and purified his people, and con- 
fumed crofiy multitudes of wicked men ! 

37. She is compared to a boiling pot or caldrons. 
In her dwelt the principal wicked men of Judah ; and 
were tormented by ihe fiery wrath of God, and fury of 
the enraged Chaldeans. Ah what a fcum of wicked 
perfons and prevalent crimes was in her! The face 
towards the north, implies, tec Chaldeans coming 

« Zech. viii. 3. Amos vi. 1. b E/ek. iv. I,«*-J. eJer. 

vi. 7. d lia. xxxi. 9. Kzek. xx.i. 20,23. #Jer, 1, 13. 

Jwtk, axiv, 3,-14, ano jii. 3, 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews, 2*j$ 

againft her from the north. She was not the cal- 
dron to thefe carried into captivity, or {lain without 
the walls. 

38. She is called a cup of trembling and burden,. 
SOME STONE to her enemies a. What terror and over- 
throw did the Maccabees fpread among her befiegers and 
foes ! How happy, firm, and fixed, (hall be the Jews 
millennial (late ! With what oppreffiig trouble, mad- 
nefs, aftoniihment, and ruin, {hall God fmite their oppo- 
fers, who attempt to exclude them from their ancient 
land! 

39. The Jewifh princes are likened to lions ; and 
their judges to ravening wolves £; becaufe of their 
fraud, their tyranny, and cruel oppreflion and murders, 
efpecially of the poor and godly. Their eating the 
flefh of God's people; flaying off their ikin ; breaking 
their bones in pieces, imply, their taking every method 
to opprefs and deprive them of their fubftance. Their 
not gnawing the. bones in the morning, imports their vo- 
racious delight in cruelty $ and fpeedy execution of it 
without delay* 

4©. The Jewifh governors are likened to a HEARTH OF 
FIRE among wood ; and a TORCH OF FIRE in a fheaf c» 
In the time of the Maccabees, and in the beginning of 
the millennium, what terror, havock, and ruin, they 
fpread among their oppofers ! 

41. Uzziah and Hezekiah are represented as furious 
SERPENTs d. With what fury and difpatch did their 
troops attack, terrify, and deftroy the Philiftines I 

42 Zedekiah is called the breath of the Jiws nofhils 
e. Him they expected to be a diftinguiihed meais of 
their prefer vation and comfort, whether in Jud^a or Ba- 
bylon. But ah how difappointed, when lie fell into the 
hands of the Chaldeans, a fugitive ! — Qa every earthly- 
thing, write, my foul, disappointment, vanity, and vex- 
ation of fpirit. 

43. Pekah king of Ifrael, with his ally Reztn king of 
Syria, are called the tails of fmoaking fire-brands f % 
to reprefent their weakaefs 5 the vanity of their impc- 

a Sech. xii. 2,-4. b Micati iii. 2, 3. Zeph. iii. 3. c Zech. xii« 6, 
& Isa. xiv* 29, e Lsm, iv, 20, / Isa. vii. 4» 



2^6 SACBED TROPOLOGY* 

tent fury and purpofes againft Judah ; and the near ap- 
proach of their ruin 

44. Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, and other rulers and 
heip-rs of the Jews ; are the four laborious though 
mean-like carpenters, that frayed away the horns a. 
the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabians, Syrians, and 
others, who harraiTcd the Jews after their return from 
Babylon* 

II. Of the Egyptians. 

1. The Egyptians are compared to a FLir b; alluding 
to the f warms of flies in their country; and for their 
number, their fwift march, and troublefome annoyance. 

2. They are likened to a fair heifer c. In the days 
of Pharaoh-necho, how glorious and flouriihing their 
kingdom! how s?reat their profperity and wealth ! but 
how quickly deiiraction came ! Pride goeth before de- 
ftruciion, and an haughty fpirit before a fall. 

3. They are likened to fishes d, Among the dreams 
of the Nile they refined; great was their number, their 
ftupidity, and veadinefs to opprefs their inferiors. Their 
fticking to their king's fcales, imports their faithful 
cleaving to his intereft in peace and war : or perhaps, 
their obftinate rebellion againft Pharaoh-hophrah.- 

4. They are likened to serpents e ; to denote the ab- 
ject flate to which the Chaldeans, and their own civil 
war i.i the reign of Pharaoh-hophrah, reduced them ; 
and their mournful howling over their condition. 

5. They are likened to a Forest^*. How furprifing 
the number of their cities ; and of the inhabitants ! How 
flourishing a long time their profperity ! How expofed 
to, a/id at laft confumed, b) die fir of God's wrath I 

6. They and their king are likened to broken reeds g. 
How iniufficient and untrufty helpers ! lnllead of afliit- 
ing the Jews againft the Afiyrians or Chaldeans, ac- 
cording to promife and expectation ; they rather run in- 
to their hand, by promoting their ruin, 

7. Their country io called an iron furnace ; and 

a Zech. i. 20, 21. I Isa. vii. 18. c Jer. xlvi. 20. d Ezek. 

xxix. 3;--5. e Jer, xv, 22. /Jcr. xlvi. 24. g Eztfc. xxix.^6. 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews, 277 

HOUSE OF BONDAGE #• What terrible torment, cruel 
Haver j, and murder, the Hebrews here fuftained ! 

8. Their' king is represented as an eagle .with great 
wings and many feathers b, becaufe of his extenlive 
power and dominion over many tribes. Zedskiah king 
of Judah entering into a league with him againft the 
Chaldeans, is the vine turning towards him to be water- 
ed by him. 

9. He is reprefented as a DRAGON ; a LEVIATHAN ; a 
crocodile c. Among, and about the ftreams of the Nile, 
haunted by thefe creatures, he ruled. And how diitin- 
guiihed his teiriblenefs, cruelty, and power to defend 
himfelf, and hurt others ! 

10. Pharaoh-necho is reprefented as a noise palling 
at the time apointed d. Notwithstanding of his haughty 
boafting, noify preparation, and furious match againU 
the Chaldeans at Carchemilh by the Euphrates, he and 
his mighty heft were quickly routed, and put to a moll 
ihameful flight* 

III. Of the AJfyrlans. 

1. The Ally ri an 5 are compared to eagles e. With 
what rapidity did they come up, to ruin the ten tribes ! 
and to harrais and waile the kingdom of judah ! 

2- They are likened to lions/. With what noife, 
terror, irrefiftable force, and bloody cruelty, they, under 
Pal, Tiglath-pilefer, Shalmanezer, Sennacherib, and 
Efarhaddon, walled, conquered, and murdered, the na- 
tions around them ! 

3. They are compared to BEESjr; alluding to the mul- 
titude of bees in their country ; and btcaufe of their 
number, their noife, their defperate rage, and tormenting 
cruelty; and their ready anfwering the Lord's invita- 
tion to punifh the nations. 

4. They are likened to an east wind h. From the 
eaft they invade the nations. What deceitful and un- 
fubftantial helpers ! what f weeping, blaiiing, and de- 
flructive enemies to men ! 

5. They are called the waters of the river, flrong, 

a Jer. xi. 4. Exod. xx. 2. b Ezek. xvii. 7. f Pia!. Ixxiv. 14 

Isa. xxv'ii. i . Ezek. xxxii. 2. ii Jer. xlvi. 17. e Hosca viii. 1 

/Isa. v. zg. g Isa. six. 18, b lioseaxii. i, and x;ii. 15. 



278 SACRED TROPOLOGY, 

and many a. On the banks of Euphrates, and Hidde- 
kel, or Tigris, they refided. How numerous, noify, 
powerful, and prevalent ! Their palling through the 
breadth of Immanuel's land, and reaching even to the 
neck, fignifies their rendering themfelves mailer of the 
whole kingdoms of Israel and Judah ; J'erufalem alone 
excepted, which was left alone In the midft of the land, 
as a cottage in a garden of cucumbers. 

9. They are likened to cedar and chesnut-tree h. 
For fome ages, how great and flourifhing the glory and 
wealth of their empire ! how high and foaring their 
power and pride ! what multitudes of nations and per- 
fons lived under the wide-fpread fhadow of their au- 
thority and protection ! 

7. The AiTyrians,or other nations, enemies of Ifrael, 
are likened to a ship or galley r. They are curious 
in their form ; move on the fea of this world; are tofled 
with the dorms of adverfity. Kings, and other chief 
rulers, are the malls and mariners ; princes and inferior 
rulers are the tacklings ; their armies are the fails and 
oars. The Aflyriau army had their tacklings loofed, 
when molt of their commanders were cut off. They 
could not ftrengthen the maft, by affifting their king 
Sennacherib. They could not fpread the fail, the molt 
of their troops being cut off before Jeruialem. 

8. They are called God's rod and axe d* By them 
he fcourged and cut off many kingdoms. By them he 
cut down the barren tribes of Ifrael, and carried them 
into captivity ; and feverely corrected the hypocritic 
ones of Judah and Benjamin. How unreafonably they 
magnified themfelves againft God their manager, and 
afcribed their conquefts to themfelves ! 

9. They are called an hired razor, (having the beard 
and the feet e. With rich fpoils, God hired them, to 
punifh and deftroy the linful nations : and by them efpe- 
cially in Ifrael and Judah, he cut off multitudes, fmall 
and great. 

10. They are likened to fuel /. Having by them 

a fsa. viii. 7, $. b EzeV. xxxi. 2. r Isa. xxxiii 21, 23. 

d 1 5a. x. 5, 15. t Isa. vti. 20. / l?a. xxx. 27,- 53. 



Of metaphors respecting the Jews* 279 

punifhedthe nations, God call them into the deftruclive 
flames of his vengeance, till their nation was corifumed; 
a nd by fiery plague he cut off Sennacherib's army be- 
fore Jerufalem. 

1 1. That army is likened to a dream, and night- vi- 
sion a. Amid their expectations to do mighty things, 
God's wrath difcovered their inlignificancy, and reduced 
them in an ihftant to almoft nothing. 

1 2. Perhaps Sennacherib their king, isoalled a levia- 
than ; that ftrong and piercing ferpent b : for his dif- 
tinguimed pride, power, and terrible appearances. But 
is not rather the Egyptian king, or Antichrifl, there 
fpoken of? 

IV. Of the Chaldean empire, 
i The Chaldean empire is likened to a destitute 
widow c. At laft, how her glory faded ! how mourn- 
fully bereaved of her kings, armies, power, and wealth* 
How was the city Babylon burnt, harraffed, enflaved and 
finally reduced to a defart ! 

2. It is compared to a lion, with eagle's wings d ; 
becaufe of their noife, their bloody cruelty, their irre- 
fiftible boldnefs, fury, and might ; and for their rapid 
fuccefs in conquering the nations around. What terri- 
fied multitudes readily fubmitted, and eraved their fha- 
dowing protection, till the Medes and Perfians ruined it. 

3. It is perhaps compared to a chariot with red 
horfes, ifiuingfrom between mountains of brafs e. Not- 
withstanding difficulties unnumbered, their forces, ac- 
cording to the fettled purpofes of God, extended their 
power; and by bloody conquefts, deftroyed and enflaved 
the nations. 

4. It is called a golden HEAD, and golden cup ; and 
Babylon, its metropolis, & golden city/. Aftonifhing 
was the glory, wealth, and power of it. How wide- 
fpread their dominion ! By them, how fearfully God 
meafured out the wine of his wrath to the nations ! and 

J caufed them to drink it ! 

5. It is called God's battle bow, or axe j the ham- 

a Isa, xxlx. 7, 8. b Isa. xxvii, 1 e Tsa, xhir. d Dan. 

vii. 4. e Zech, vi, i, 2. /Dan, ii, 32 Jer, ii, 7* Isa, xiv, 4, 



2gO SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

MER of the whole earth a. By thefe Chaldeans, God 
fought againit, conquered, and broke in pieces, the mod 
of the then principle nations on earth. 

6. It is called God's threshing ; and the corn of his 
floor h. What fearful vengeance feized it, by the Medes 
and Perfians ! Where is now their glory and power ! is 
it not threfhed out ? Mighty Babylon, deftroying moun- 
tain, confpicuous and overwhelming deftroyer, hownow 
threilied to the duft ! razed to the foundation ! rendered 
a burnt mountain ! a heap of rubbifh ! and habitation of 
wild and venomous beads ! 

7. The Chaldean troops under Nebuchadnezzar, are 
likened to watchers of a field c. Carefully they watch- 
ed at the (lege of Jerufalern ; apprehended fuch as fled 
from the city ; and executes judgments upon them. 

8. They are reprefented as fi-hers; hunters; and 
fowlers d. How earneflly they laboured for the de- 
ftruction of men ! hid inares, digged pits- and purfued 
for their life ! And ah ! how they facrificed to their own 
net ; imputing their warlike fuccefs, not to God's pro- 
vidence ; but to their own crafty plots, and vigorous ef- 
forts ! 

9. They are reprefented as six men, armed with 
fiaughter-weapons, and directed by one clothedin linen e. 
Armed with Jefus' righteous permiflion, and with wea- 
pons of war, they, under his direction and rule, entered 
the Jewifh temple, flew the princes and rulers ; but fpa- 
xed moft of the godly, who mourned over the fins of 
their people. 

10. They are compared to serpents/". How noted 
their craft ! inveterate their rage ! cruel and certain 
their murder ! — Ah ! how hath fin changed men, into 
the likenefs of the old ferpent, the devil ! 

11. They are likened to an east wind ; a dry wind 
from the wildernefs ; and a whirlwind \g . From the 
regions eaft of Judea they ifiued ; and with aftonifhing 
rapidity, and irrefiftible force, they fpread trouble, 
blading, and ruin, among men. 

12. They are likened to clouds £. How numerous 

a Jer. li. 20 and 1. 23. b Is3 xxi 10. cJrrivitf. dIJab. i 15,— 17, 
♦ Ezekix /Jer viii 17. ^Habis*. Jeriv 11,13. b Jer iv 13. 



Of metaphors respecting the Chaldean empire. 28 r 
their body ! how exalted their power ! how rapid their 
march ! and terrible their afpecl ! what dreadful means 
of divine wrath, to the nations around ! 

13. Nebuchadnezzar, their diftinguiilied monarch, is 
likened to a great eagle with long wings, and full of 
feathers a. How great his power ! how extenfive his 
authority ! how diftinguifhed his ability, to protect his 
fubjects ! How various colours, denote the diversified 
laws and cuftoms of his empire. His coming to Leba- 
non, cropping off the top of a cedar, and carrying it 
into a land of traffic, and city of merchants, fignifies his 
invading Judea by the way of Lebanon ; and carrying off 
Jehoiachin, and other princes of Judah, to Babylon, his 
wealthy metropolis. His taking of the feed of the land ; 
planting it by great waters; and making it a vine of low 
fiature, bending her branches towards him ; fignifies his 
taking Ze&ekiah, caufing him to fwear fubjection, and 
conftituting him his tributary -deputy, or king of Judaji. 

14. He is likened to a lion, wolf, and leopard £ ; 
becaufeof his power, authority, courage, craft, covetouf- 
nefs i and his terrible and barborous harramng and 
murdering of the nations. 

15. He is compaied to large and madowy TREE, cut 
down by order of the heavenly watchers c. Great in- 
deed was his glory, power, and authority. Multitudes 
of men fubtmtted to him, and fhared his protection. 
But after long prosperity, how wrathfuily cut down for 
his wickednefs ! feven years deprived of his reafon and 
government ! 

16. The Chaldean monarch is reprefented as the ltj- 
ciFer, or morning-fiar fallen from heaven*/. How 
bright the glory of Nebuchadnezzar ! how powerful 
his influence on earth ! Atfirft, howfplcndid the power 
and brightnefs of Belihazzar ! but ah, how wretched his 
laft end! how deprived of his dignity, his authority, 
and grandeur, and call out as an abominable and bafe 
perfon ! 

V. Of the Perjlan empire. 

I. The Perfian empire is likened to a bear raifing up 
aEzek. xVii. 3—6. b Jer. v. r, — 9 c Dan. iv. 10, — 17. I Its, xiv. 12. 

Aa 



g 2 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

faimfetf on one fide, having three ribs in his mouth, and 
bid arife and devour much flefh a. Though lefi weal- 
thy ftrone, and glorious at nrft, then the Chaldean; with 
rnuch craft, fagacity, and bloody cruelty, was it fettled 
,nd maintained. Multitudes of nations were torn, con- 
quered, and reduced by it. Towards the wcft-ude, espe- 
cially raifed and exerted itfelf ; conquering and fpoihng 
the three wealthy kingdoms of Lydia, Babylon, and 

a^It is reprefented as a two-horned ram, pufhing 
northward, fouthward, and weftward till furioufly de- 
ft roved by a he-goat b. Confiftmg of the two kingdoms 
of Media and Pei fia, it made extenflve conqnefts towards 
the airths mentioned, and became an empire containing 
an hundred twenty and feven provinces, till the furious 
Greeks overturned and ruined it. . ^ 

It is perhaps reprefented as a CHARIOT With black 
horfes, iffuing from- between mountains of brafs c. Ac- 
co- dm* to the purpofe of God, and maugre all opposition, 
was it^eflablifiied— At firft, the Perfians were flrong, 
and warlike ; under Cyrus, terrible to the nations ; un- 
der Cambjfes, and fome others, troublefome to the peo- 
rite of God. Their going out into the north country, 
Siay denote their corqueft of Chaldea northward of Ju- 
dea • and of Letter Afia ; and their invafions of Greece. 
In this they quieted God's Spirit, as they execute his 
Judgments, ana made his wrath to reft on Babylon. 

a It is compared to a breast and arms of silver d. 
With diftingui&ed prudence, alert sctivity, noted brave- 
rv pnd no fmall humanity, did Cyrus found it; and ren- 
der it noted for wealth and grandeur, the power of the 
Medes and Perfians being unite. 

King Cyrus is reprefented as a ravenous beast 
from the eaft e. From the eaft he marched againft Chal- 
dea- and with amazing terror and fuccefs, ravaged and 
conquered the nations, to the weft of Ins country. 

6 He and Nebuch -dm zxar arecalled God's servants 
f. Signally he railed them up, and employed them tc 

a Dan vii. s. h Dan viii. j, 4. c Zech vi. 3, 6 
dvLn.12. Usa.xlvi.io. /faixlv. 1. Jer.xxvn.fi: 



Of metaphors respecting ibe Grecian empire, 283 
execute his work among the nations j and with the fpoil, 
he richly rewarded their laboar. 

VI. Of the Grecian empire. 

1. The Grecian empire is reprefented as a winged 
and four-headed leopard a ; to denote the craft, ra- 
pidity, and violence, wherewith Alexander founded it ; 
and to mark out the divifion of it, after his death, into 
the four principal kingdoms of Egypt, Syria, Ana the 
Lefs, and Greece. 

2. It is represented as a horned he-goat, that with- 
out touching the ground, run, trode down, and (lamped 
to pieces, a two-horned pulhing ram b ; to mark the ra- 
pidity and force wherewith the Greeks, under Alexander, 
marched into Alia ; attacked, conquered, and broke to 
pieces, the proud and pufhing Medo-Perlan kingdom. 
This goat's notable horn between his eyes, is Alexander 
the Great, as attended with his prudent and lagacious 
generals . This broken, four curie up in its Head ; he 
cut off by an untimely death ; his empire was divided 
into four principal fovereignties ; and himfelf fucceeded 
by four chief princes, Ptolemy in Egypt, Scleucus in 
Syria, Antigonus in Leflkr Afia, and GafTander in Mace- 
donia and Greece. The little horn which fprung from 
one of thefe, land waxed great and ftrong towards the 
fouth, eaft, and weft, and magnified himfeif againll God 
and his faints, is Antiochus Epiphanes, a descendant of 
Seleucus, a very contemptible perfon, who craftily got 
into the throne of Syria ; defeat the Egyptians on the 
fouth j fubdued the Medes, Perfians, and Armenians on 
the eaft ; and reduced part of Leiler Afia, with Judea, on 
the weft ; and finally, infulted the Jewifh temple, abolifn- 
ed the daily facrifice, fet up an image of Jupiter ia the 
fanctuary, commanded the Jews to eat fwines flefti, and* 
murdered fuch as refufed 5 till, at laft, he was fearfully 
destroyed of God. 

3. It is perhaps reprefented as a CHARIOT, with white 
horfes going after the black horfes c; to denote Alexan- 
der's kindnefs to the Jews • his rapid victories and con- 
quer!, while he attacked and purfued the Perfians, and 

Dan vii. 6. h Dan. viii. 5, — 14. c Zech. vi. 3, 6. 
A a 2 



284 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

took from thence the very countries they had wrefled 
from the Chaldeans. 

4. It is compared to a belly and thighs of brafs a. 
Without diftinguifhed wealth, the Greeks were exceed- 
ing courageous, hardy, brave, and invincible, but too oft 
intemperate end drunken. Soon after Alexander's 
death, it was formed into two thigh-like fovereignties of 
Syria on the north, and Egypt on the fouth : between 
"which there were manifold bickerings, till, as related by 
Daniel* chap. xi. both were fwallowed up by the Ro- 
mans. 

VII. Of the Roman empire, 

1. The Roman empire is reprefented as a DRAGON; 
as an exceeding terrible beait, very different from 
ci iers, having iron teeth and brazen nails; treading 
down, and devouring every thing it found b. Not in 
the form of an abfolute monarchy, like the Chaldean, 
Perfian , and Grecian, but of a commonwealth, it was 
fettled; and with aflonifhing terror, force, cruelty, craft, 
and murder, it conquered and enflaved the moil part of 
the then known world. 

2. It is reprefented as a beast with feven heads and 
ten horns c. Succefiively it had feven forms of govern- 
ment, of kings, confuls, dictators, decemvirs, tribunes, 
emperors, popes. Its metropolis was built on feven hills; 
andatlaft the empire was divided into ten kingdoms. 

3. It refembles a chariot with grizzled and bay 
horfes going towards the fouth d. They efpecially 
puihed their conquefts fouthward, in Alia and Africa; 
ravaged and conquered the promifed land ; and from the 
north did the Goths, Huns, and Vandals, march to and 
fro, in ravaging and ruining this empire. 

4. It is reprefented as legs of iron', with feet and 
toes of iron, mixed with miry clay e ; to denote their 
lading courage, fheng'h, and warlike fuccefs; its divi- 
fion into the caltern and weftern empire; and its final di- 
vifion into ten fovereignties ; which, compofed partly of 
Romans, ar.d partly of Barbarians, never rightly incor- 

a Dan ii. 32. /; Dan vii. 7, 2, c Rev xsii. j. 

rf £ech, vi. j,6, 7. * Dan ii. 33. 



Of metaphors respecting Tyre, &c. 28; 

porate together ; nor could difplay the ancient vigour 
and might. 

VIII. Of fyre. 

1. Tyre is called the crowning city a. How afto- 
nifhing her wealth ! how honoured and powerful her 
merchants ! what amazing pomp, grandeur, and orna- 
ments, were therein ufed ! 

2. Their king is called a covering cherub 3, He was 
the glorious and royal protector of his fubjecls. He 
had been in Eden the garden of God; had lived amidft 
Jtheutmofl plenty, pleafu re, and fafety, He was covered 
with precious ftones, walked up and down among (tones 
of fire. He had his irown, his clothes, his palace, mod 
richly adorned, with precious and fparkling jewels. 
Amid all this glory, O Jefus, how much inferior to thee! 

IX OJ the Saracens, 
1. The Saracens refemble the locusts and scorpions 
in the virion of the fifth Apocalyptic trumpet c. Sprung 
from the fmoke of the hot torn lefs pit, animate with the 
moll abfurd delufion, and under the ftandard of Mahomet, 
that infernal and deftroying agent, they, efpecially for an 
hundred and fifty years, or five prophetic months, from 
A. D. 612. to 762. fpread the moil mocking ravage, 
torment, defolation, and delufion, through many of the 
moft populous countries, and rendered the lives of mul- 
titudes their burden ; but were not permitted to undo 
any of God's chofcn faints, or ravage Savoy and Piedmont, 
where many of them were hid. 

X. Of the Turks, 

j. The Turks are likened to four angels once bound, 
but under the fixth trumpet loofed from the river Eu- 
phrates, that for a year, a month, a day, and an hour, 
they might deflroy the third part of men d. Refirain- 
ed of God j retrained by the warlike expeditions of 
the European Chriftians to the Holy Land, their four 
fultanies or kingdoms long fubfilted, near to the Eu- 

a Isa^xiii 8. b Ezek. xxviii. 13, 14. 

' c Revix, 1, — 11. d Rev i x , 13,-20, 

A a 3 



■X%b SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

phrares. Terrified ac the invaficn of the Tartars un- 
der Jengiz.-Chan f Soliman-Shah, the founder of the 
Othman race, with his three fons, attempted to pafs the 
river to the weftward. He was drowned, and two of his 
fons returned. Ortogrul the third, with his three fons, 
fome time after parted it, and fettled in Armenia. In 
1281, he began his conquefts on the Chriftians in the 
taking of the city Kutah in Afia. Thence forward, 
for 391 years, till the taking of Caminick from the 
Poles, in 1672, they, with a multitude of cavalry, and 
terrible fire-arms, made fearful havok of apoftate Chri- 
ftians, and others, in Aria, Africa, and Europe. 

2. The Turkifhand other Mahometan powers, are li- 
kentd to the river Euphrates a. At prefent they im- 
pede the converfion of the ealtern nations to Chrift ; 
but in a little, they {hall be dried up ; fhall have their 
power brought low> and their delufion abolifhed ; that 
the kings, and kingdoms of the eaft, may be turned t© 
the Lord. 

SECT. III. 
OJ metaphQrs rcfpctling armies and their officers, 

1, A RMIES are compared to eagles, or like rave- 
<**» nous fowls h\ becaufe of their far, their fwift, 
and deflruftive marches ; their delighting in ravage and 
blood ; and their fagacious, difcerning, and careful im- 
proving of opportunities, to do mifchief. 

2. They are likened to lions, and fimilar wild hearts r. 
How dreadful their noife ! their power ! their terrors ! 
How furioufiy they feize and deftroy what comes in 
their way! and how terrible the yelling of their wounded ! 

3. They refemble swarms of bees d. How eafily 
excited to their enterprife ! How regularly they obey 
and follow their commanders ! How defperately they 
iling, torment, and trouble their oppofers ! How madly 

« R«v. x\i. 12. h Deuf. xxvjiJ. 49. Luke xvii. 34. 

fJer. Ii. 38, d fial. cwi.11. 



Of metaphors respecting families, &c. 28 7 

ellfpofed to hazard their life, to revenge a trifling injury! 
And fometimes how ealily routed ! 

4 They are likened to fwanns of flies ; locusts ; 
GRASHoppers ; caterpillars a How numerous and 
annoying! How fadly they wafte and harrafs the coun- 
tries they invade ! How wide and quick they fpread 
torment, havock, and ruin ! 

5. They are compared to FLoCKS or herds b ; becaufe 
of their number, their order of marching, and wafteful 
influence. Their officers are the fhepherds, who le?d 
govern, and provide for them. .Lazy and enriched fol- 
diers, are the fat bullocks. 

6- They are likened to a forest <r, for their vifibility 
and multitude. Their captains are the choice trees and 
top branches. How oft is the de ftrucVive fire of divine 
Wrath kindled among them, to burn many of them out 
of life, and into the lowed hell ! 

7. They are compared to flames of fire d. How ter- 
rible and furious ! How hard to be refilled ! How un- 
mercifully they fpread horror and ruin ! How rapidly 
they invade a country, confume its product, and murder 
its inhabitants ! 

8. They are likened to wind ; waters ; rivers -, 
floods e. How powerful ! terrible ! milchievous ! 
numerous ! and hard to be refitted ! 

9. They are represented as a wing/. How rapid 
their march ! How fweeping their influence ! And how 
protecting their power and favour ! 



SECT. IV. 

Oj metaphors respeBing families and their members, 

% \ F\MILY is called a house ; a tabernacle £» 
XjL Here we dwell together in houfes or tents. Like 
houfes, they oft need new repairs <e generation Com- 
eth, and another goeth away. Like tabernacles, they 
are eafiiy deftroyed or changed. 

a N"nrh. iii. 15. b Jer vi. 3. c Tsa. x, 18, 10. rf «fer» 

xlviii. 4$. e Isa. xxviii. 2, Dan xi. 22, /Dan. ix. 27, 

X Prov. xiv. 1, 11. 



a$8 sacred tropology. 

2. In our tranflat ion, a hufband is reprefented as a 
Covering of the eyes a, as he prot els the perfon, cha- 
ftity, and concerns of his wife. But might not the 
words rather be tranflated, to fuggeft, that the thoufand 
piecs of filvcr given to Sarah by Abimtlech, were to 
buy veils for her and her mnidens ? Truly, O Jefus, it 
is thine to cover my eyes, my confcieoce, and my all. 

3. A good wife is reprefented as a builder of her 
houle b. Not only fhe readily builds it up with chil- 
dren ; but in every refpecl:, promotes the welfare and 
profperity thereof. But the foolimpluckethitdown; mars 
the pe^.ce and profperity tnereof. Thrice happy that my 
hands cannot pluck down the Lord who is my habitation! 

4. A wife is reprefented as a fruitful vine c. Frail, 
andfubject to many infirmities, fhe brings forth an ami- 
able increafe of children. Her cleaving to the fides of 
her hufband's houfe, implies her keeping at home 5 not 
given to idle gadding, or wafteful diverfion j nor to creep 
into her neighbours houfes. as a bufy-body. Lord Je- 
fus, how far am I from fo cleaving to my proper work! 

5. A wife is likened to a loving hind, and pleasant 
roe j a heifer, a LAMB^Z; becaufe of her agreeable come- 
hnefs; lovelinefs; kind affection; and delightful company. 

6. She is compared to a f untain e. What a plea- 
fant fouice of comfort and ufefuinefs to her family, is a 
good wife ! And what an agreeable mother of children,- 
that, like fl reams, may be difperfed abroad ! 

7. She is a good thing/*. An eminent bleiling to 
herhufband, children, and fervants; and he that hnth a 
good wife, has obtained a fignal favour of the Lo:d, 

8. She is called the desire of the eTeS^; becaufe 
of the delight men take in feeing, and in connection with 
their beloved wives, Surprifing • O Jefus, are thy heart 
and eyes on me continually ! 

9. A good wife h leprefented as a beautiful orna- 
ment h. She bii igs credit and honour to her hufband 
and family. O were 1 fo to Chrift ! 

10. A had wife is likened to the wind /; becaufe of 
her urifetfled humour; her noify, boifterous, an d trou- 

fi Gen. xx. 16. b Prov, xiv. 1. c Pal. cxxvjii. 3. d Prov. v.ig* 
e prov. v. 18. /Pryv, xviii. 22. s hzek, xxiv. 16, 

6 PfCV. xii 4. 1 Prov, xxvn.i*. 



Of metaphors respecting families t&c, 289 

blefome converfation ; and as the wind, and the ointment 
on a man's hand, will difcover itfelf ; fo, notwithstand- 
ing of her hufband's care, will fhe difcover her infirmity 
and fhame. 

11. A contentious wife refembles a Continual drop- 
ping #. Perpetually fhe will be harrafling her hufband 
and family with her fcoldingand ftrife. Better dwell in 
a corner of the wildernefs, than live with her in a pa- 
lace. 

12. A bad wife is rottenness to herhufband'sbones^. 
Either fhe wickedly feduces him, to fow to the flefh cor- 
ruption, and fo pine away in his iniquity: or her trou- 
blefome beha\ T iour burdens his fpirit and haftenshis na- 
tural death. Thrice happy, O Jefus, that wicked I can» 
not be rottennefs to thee ! 

13. Children are likened to plants, and olive- it ants, 
around their father's table c, How pleafant, when they 
keep their due order ! What a promifing appearance of 
joy, honour, andfupport, to their parents ! But ah, how 
oft death quickly cuts down the plants .' or fin withers 
them ! 

14. Children are compared to a lamp or coal d. 
■Lighted into life by means of their parents, how they tend 
to the comfort of families , the promoting of warm affec- 
tion ! How, with their mining light, they are a lafling 
honour and renown to their parents ! 

15. They refemble streams of water difperfed in the 
1 ftreets £. How delightful and comely to fee them in the 
! flreets at their lawful employment, or innocent diverfion ! 

Ah, O Fountain of living waters, how oft they run, and 
twine about our heart, and fteal away our love from thee I 

16. They are reprefented as arrows of itrong meny. 
What a protection and defence to their parents and fa- 
milies ! but let my great armour be of God. 

17. They are reprefented as the heritage and re- 
ward of God g. He beftows them upon parents ; and to 
him mould they gratefully dedicate them as his property, 
and train them up in his lervice. 

18. They are rtprefentedas a crown to their fathers £. 

s Prov xix. 13. b Proy xii 4. c Psal cxxviii ^. d 2 Sam xiv 7. 
Prow. 14. /Psalcxxvii. 4. g Psal cxxvii 3. t> Prov. xvii 6, 



2Q9 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

How honourable to be the regular means of producing 
iiiftruments to glorify God, and veffels to receive his re- 
deeming mercy ? Lord, may mine be furh. 

19, Daughters are reprefented as polilhed corner- 
stones a. Whatcomelinefs and beauty they often pof- 
fefs ! What ufeful means of order and connection between 
families ! Ami a daughter of heaven's King, all- glo- 
rious within, and my Nothing of wrought gold ! 

2©» Brethren are b^rn for adverfity b. Chiefly in 
trouble, they ought tofympathize with,tounftl, comfort, 
aflift, and fupport one another. 

21. Brethren offended are like to a walled CITY c, 
becaufe of the difficulty there is to reconcile and appeafe 
them. And there contentions are like the bars of a ftrong 
caftle, not eaiily broken up, and removed, 



BOOK III. 

OF METAPHORTC F MENTATIONS 

OF TH.. 

CHAP. I. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING God's PURPOSE, AND PROVI- 
DENTIAL EXECUTION OF IT. 

SECT. I. 

Of God's purpofe. 

I. /^ OD's purpofe is reprefented as a counfel d. O 
VJ the depth of divine wiiciom that fhines in it ! 

Without deliberation, fuch as ours, how exactly are all 

matters, means, and ends, therein conne&ed ! Surpriling ! 

did Jehovah confult for the endlefs welfare of thought- 

lefs, wicked, worthlefs me ! 

2. It is called his pleasure and good pleafure e. His 

a *»»al exliv 12. b Prov xvii. 17. c Prov. xviii. 19. 

d Isa xlvi 10. * Eph. i. 11. 



Of metaphors respecting God's purpose, 291 

fovereign. will is the caufe and rule of it. And Ohis 
ever-fixed delight in the thoughts of his heart ! Were 
thy delights, O Jehovah, with me ! and mall mine not 
be with thee ! 

3. It is reprefented as a determination and decree a. 
By his abfoiute authority are form, circumftances, and 
limits, immutably fixed, for every perfon, property, and 

event. 

4. It is reprefented as knowledge, foreknow- 
ledge h. Therein, creatures have any exiftence, God 
had the mod exacl: view of their nature and circum- 
ftances. 

5. It is reprefented as mountains of brass, from be- 
tween which four chariots ififue forth to move in the 
earth c. How firm, unchangeable, infallible, glorious, 
and pure! And from it do all the chariots of rninifters, 
angels, monarchies, and providences, go forth to execute 
its contents. 

6. It is reprefented as a FOUNDATION d. How wife- 
ly laid ! How fure, fixed, and immoveable ! How it fup- 
ports, regulates, and adorns ail God's works ! What 
endlefs ftructures of creation and providence are built 
upon it ! Hail, my happy foul, amidft all thy fleeting 
changes, thy foundation laid by the wifdom and love of 
God Hands fure, having this leal, The Lord knoweth 
them that are his. Let me therefore, who name the 
name of Chriil, depart from iniquity. 

7. It is reprefented as a book e. There every crea- 
ture's form and cafe, every event, is orderly and parti- 
cularly fixed. Every peribn's eternal ftate is particu- 
larly afcertained. The purpofe of election is a book of 
life; there theperfons, means, matter, and end, of mens 
everlafting life, are fixed. It is called the Lvmb's book ; 
becaufe we are ehofen in, and faved by Chriil. O to 
fee my name written in heaven ! 

8. The divine purpofe refpecting angels and men, is 

called a PREDESTINATION or FORE-ArPOINTMENT /. 

Therein each is p^rfonally and immutably appointed to 
everlafting happinefs or mifery, before the foundation 

a Acts iv 27, 28. b Acts xv 18. cZcch. vi 2,— 7. d 1 Tim. ii 19. 
e Psa\ cxxxix 16. /i Thess v 9, 



29 2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

of the world; and every means conducive to thefe ends, 
fo wifely and infallibly fixed, as no way interferes with 
their own free will. 

9. The divine purpofe, as relating to men appointed 
to everlafting life, is termed a foreknowledge, elec- 
tion, or choice a. In themfelves, they were equally 
mean and unworthy as others ; but God, in his mere fo- 
vereignty, took notice of them, favoured, acknowledged 
for his, and feparate them from others, to be a peculiar 
people to himfelf. 



SECT. II. 

Of providence. 






I. T3ROVIDENCE is reprefented as God's face b 
JL Therein he difcovers his glory. By profperity, 
he lifts up his countenance, and fmiles. By heavy 
judgments, he frowns, and caufes men to perifh at the 
rebuke of his countenance. By his watchful care, his 
eyes run to and fro, to mew hitafelf ftrong in the be- 
half of fuch as fear him. By the breathing of his pow- 
erful influence, he quickens and reftores; and by the 
angry blaft of his noitrils, are men confumed. 

2. It is reprefented as God's WAY ; PATH; goings ; 
and footsteps c. Herein with pleafure he difplays his 
power,!tnd gradually fulfils his purpofe. He comes to 
men, to relieve, comfort, and punim them. He turns 
away from men, by defertion, or by forbearing to pu- 
nifh. His way is in the fea, and his footfteps not 
known ; when it is hard to underftand the nature and 
tendency of his providence ; or fee his perfections dif- 
played therein. His paths drop down fatnefs, when 
providences concur to our comfort ; or when the clouds 
pour down their refrefhful and nourifhing dew and rain. 
To look after God ; or fee his goings, is, with reve- 
rence, attention, and delight, to obferve, conlider, and 
remember the works of God. 

« Rom. viii. r^andxi. 5. b Jer. xxi, 10. « Psal, Ixxvii. 19 



Of metaphors respecting provide nee. 293 

3. God's providence is compared to clouds a. How 
lofty ; marvellous ; and incompi eheisfible \ How preg- 
nant with events ! How fwift and divinely directed the 
motions ! To the wicked", how terrible the influence, 
and fometimes the appearance ! To the faints how re- 
frefhful and fructifying! When I fee; the molt- black, 
difrnal, and louring providences of God, gilded with 
the rainbow of his covenant, or his Sun of righteouf- 
riefs, how reviving and refloring to my heart ! Then" 
am I alfo among the prophets ; know that all tilings 
fliall work together for my good. Providence is compa- 
red to a white cloud, to denote its purity, rigrueouf- 
nefs, glory, and coir.eliritfs 5 to a thick or dark cloud, 
to reprefent its myiterioufnefs, terribleriefs, and per* 
plexing influence. 

4. \i may be compared to chariots b Thereby, 
God, with pleafure and pomp, as it were, traverfes the 
world ; orders affairs; defends, bears, and fupports his 
people; treads down, and triumphs over his enemies. 
It refembles four chariots, as it reaches to every cir- 
cumftance, in every end of the earth. That with ied 
horles, may denote its awful, bloody, and deftru&ive 
fcenes ; that wich black, its terrible, confounding, and 
perplexing difpenfations ; that with white, its imiling 
difpenfations, as fucceeding the molt awful ; that with. 
grizzled and bay h'orfes walking to and fro in the earth, 
its mixed difpenfations of mercy and judgment, ob£er«* 
vable in every place and civcumitance. What if the 
firll relate to the period of perfecution after Chrift; 
the fecond to the Antichriftun ; the third to the Millen- 
nium ; and the fourth to the lukewarm period before 
the iait judgment? 

5. it may be compared to wheels c ; to reprefent the 
quick and eafy motion; the myitenous nature and fre* 

quent changes thereof How quickly it humbles the 

lofty, arrd exalts fuch as are low ! Like the wheels of 
a machine, how exactly it regulates ail things in na- 
ture ! Thefe wheels having four faces, may mark out 
providence, as respecting all the ends of the earth ; and 
as exerciied with great tenriernefs, patience, knowledge, 

• Isa. xix. 1. Psal. xcvii. 2. i Zech. vi, 2,-7, c Ezek, *» 

U b 



2 94 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and power. Their uniform likenefs, Imports the uni- 
form terdcrcy of providence. Their appearance as of 
a wheel within a wheel, imports its myfterious and in- 
tricate conduct The height of their rings, and their 
being full of eyes, may (ignify the tremendous nature 
of, and the infinite knowledge discovered in, providence. 
6, It refembles DEEP floods a. How myfterious and 
nnfearchable ! How powerful and irrefiftible ! What an 
lnexliaivftible comfort to the gedly ! What a bottomlefs 
gulf cf njifery to the wicked ! 

'7. In re f peer, of the rightebiifhefs therein difplaycd, it 
refembles great mountains b. Hew firmlv ! how con- 
fpicuouily God difpjays ar.d profecutes equity and ho- 
linefs, in every part of it ! How juftly he therein ferps 
bars in the way of his enemies ! and affords agreeable 
pafturage^ propter, and-ftielter to his cbcftn iheep ! His 
faithfulness therein reaches the clouds; every clilper- 
fation fulfilling his word, what clear, extenfive, and lof- 
ty difcoveries are made thereof ! 

8; It refembles a ladder reaching from heaven to 
earth., with the Lord at its top, and angels afcending and 
defcending its jour.ds c. ?»Tai:aged ?r.d infpecVd of 
God, it extends to sir things above and below; and n?.- 
r>y, if not mcfr ? of its difpenfations, are. angels employ- 
ed to execute. 

-,®,^ 

CHAP. II. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING GcD's CC\EKANTS 
WITH MAN. 

SECT. I. 

Of tie covenant of iicrks. 

1. r TPHE covenant of works made with Adam, and 

& ail his feed in him. is called a law d It com- 

prthendtd the whole duty of man; v.as inforced with 

FsaL xxxvi. 6, b 'P«al.x*xri. 5, 6. r Gtn. xxviii.u. 
a Rcni. iii. ;y, 20. 



Of mstiphors respecting the covenant of works, 195 
divine authority ; was not an agreement betwixt equals, 
but enjoined by God to man as his fubjed. it is 
called a fiery law. Amid fiery flames, it was publish- 
ed from Sinai ; it occafions fiery rag^ in our heart a- 
gamtl .God ; and worketh for us, a fiery and ever-; 
luting ruin. It is a law weak through the .fleih, as 
by reafon of our corruption, it cannot juftifyj or fave 
us. It is a law of fin and death, as by it the offence a- 
bounds j and fin reigns unto death, temporal, fpiriturd, 
and eternal. 

a. It is reprefented as a rigid master a. How 
excenfive and hard its requirements of us ! Without 
affording or allowing us any fpiritual ftrength or nou- 
rifiiment, it demands, we (hould perfectly fulfil its pre- 
cepts, holy, jail, and good, fpiritual, and exceeding 
broad ; and fatiafy its unbounded penalty for oar pair. 
offence. It we continue not in all things commanded ; 
if we cosuantly keep it not in every point and degree ; 
it curfes us to endlefs niifery; and employs our con- 
fcience to condemn, lafh, ana torment us. Ah, Jefus, 
how long I fbolifhiy preferrea this hard bondage, totby 
eafy yoke, and light burden ! 

3. It is reprefented as a husband h, Solemnly were 
we married to it in Adam. Heartily we approve the 
match, going about to eitabiifk our own righteoufneis j 
notwithilanding of its rigour, notwithstanding of the dan- 
ger attending our connection, with it, how delperately 
we cleave thereto, live under it, and pretend attempts to 
fulfil it, till Jefus, applying to our confcience his law- 
magnifying righteoufnefs, renders it dead to us, defti- 
tute of all power to condemn or hurt us; and us dead 
to it, freed from relation to it, love of it, or delightful 
attempts to ferve it ! Better, my foul, dwell with a 
brawling woman in a flrait houfe, than with this h'u-C- 
band in a wide palace of outward profperity. Fi|£ 
therefore to Jefus ; tarry, not, left thou be confumed. 

•Avoid this broken law; pafs not by him ; glean never 
in his field ; come not near the door of his houfe. 

4. It is reprefented as a pregnant woman gendering 
children to bondage c . -As many as are 01 the works of 

a Rom. vii, $, b Rorr. vii. i,— -4, e Gal. iv t _2+. 

B> s 



2\)6 SACRED TROFOLOGY. 

the law, are under the curfe of flivery to Satan, and 
their corruptions. Ah their coarfe provifion ; the hufks 
of fi 'if a I and fenfual pleafures ? their wretched apparel ; 
the filthy rags of felf-righteoufnefs, and curfe of Al- 
mighty God ! their hard fervi ude ; weary and heavy 
laden, ferving divers lulls, and labouring in the fire 
for very vanity ! their forry wages ; to them is referved 
the bl.icknefi of darknefs for ever ! Yet the flavery 
being natural, how is \t loved and followed ! Notwith- 
■(landing of all that God has done for my foul ; nut- 
with (land ins: of his changing and emptying me from 
reflet to veiTJ, what remains of this n-other's blocdrun 
ftiii in my veins .' How my comfort ebbs and flows with 
mv frame ! the challenges ofmv conference mar my be- 
lieving afTurance ! the 1 prevalence of fin, or pride of 
grace, checks my exercife of faith on Chrii-t ! my detects 
in duty mar my peace ! Ah, hew 1 undervalue Jefus' 
■perfon and blood ! How itraitened in religious exercifesl 
Iiow difcouraged and fretted in alnoft every condition ! 
How ready to go ftraight from duties to the fervice of 
lufts! 

5. It is called the strength of sin- a. From the 
flncinefs of its precept, and feverity of its penalty, dis- 
covered to the cor.fcience, fin takes occafion to rage more 
violently againft God. Its curfe condemns us to lie un- 
der the power of fpi ritual death in trefpaflVs and fins. 
And thus, as it were, enables indwelling im to command, 
work in, war againft, wound, condemn, and itay us. 
O tremendous myftery I The holy law condemning us 
to a death in fin ! to a lying under the power of finful 
corruption, as the chief branch of our punifhment ! O 
horrid monfter fin ! which takes occ -ifinn from the holy, 
jud, and good commandment, to work in me all manner 
of finful concupifcence ! O mad legalifr, to leek liberty 
and falvation by the mother of bondage ! to feek puri- 
fication by the itrenglh of tin ! Wonder no more, my 
foul, that the preaching cf our good works, as the 
ground of acceptance with God, renders people licenti- 
eus in their life. The curfe of the Almighty is upon it; 
kow can it then beaf good fruit ! How can the ftrength 

a 1 Cor. xv. 56. 



Of metaphors respecting the Covenant of Grace 297 
of fin reform the world ? How can the fource of hell open 
heaven for us? 



SECT. II. 

Of the Covenant of grace* 

I. r 1 "HE covenant of grace is compared to a rain"- 
A Bow a. As a token, that he is well pleafed in 
Chrift ; and that floods of vengeance fhsll no more re- 
turn to deftroy his people, has God eitablifhed and ex- 
hioitedit. How fweetly it comprehends all, and more 
than all, the beauties of creation ! reflects the glory, the 
heavenlinefs, the refrefhing virtue, the royal raajefty, 
and bloody fuffering, of my Sun 5 my Shield, my incar- 
nate God ! and gilds all the clouds of providence with 
his redeeming love I Here I behold him all in all,, 
even of my gloomy crofs ! Here I fee Jehovah's bow- 
inverted ; his wrath turned away from me, and pointed 
againit the prince of the power of the air, and my other 
enemies.. BkfTcd covenant, how high! but how con- 
defcendant to men of low degree ! How near ! how 
wide-itretched thine arras to receive us men, earthly, 
fenfual, and deviliih ! Him that cometh unto thee, mail 
in no wile be call out. Short-iiv-ed indeed, are our 
feniible views of thy .brightnefs ! yet how pleafant pre- 
fages thefe, of an abundance of rain ! of times of re- 
frefhing from the prefence of the Lord ! Arife, my fa- 
milked, my fcorched, my withered foul, eat, drink ; there 
is a found of abundance of rain ; to-morrow (halt thou 
be for ever deluged with the loving kindnefs of God. 
Bleffed agreement, by Jefus' facrifice wall thou efta- 
bliihed, 'and for ever doit thou encircle his, and his Fa- 
ther's head ; they are ever mindful of thee ; and regu- 
late all their work by thee. O darling of my foul, mall 
not then my heart and eyes be for ever fixed on thee I 
2. It refembles Solomon's chariot of the wood of Le- 
banon b. Herein Jefus manifests his infinite royalty, 
power, and wealth ; hereby he conveys his chofea ta 



* Rev. iv. 3, and x, u b Song iii. 9, io. 

Bb 3 



*9$ SACRED TROrOLCGY. 

his heavenly country ; and conquers, and captivates 
every oppofer. How precious, durable, firm, and fra- 
grant its whole frame ! Its pillars cf filver, are its folid, 
lubftantial, mining, precious, and unchangeable pro- 
rnifes. Its bottom of gold, is the infinitely pure, preci- 
ous, and everlafling perfections of God, and perfon of 
Chriil. Its covering of purple, is hib bleeding righte- 
oufnefs, the condition of it. Its mid pavement of love, 
its fource, heart, and fubftance, is the unbounded love, 
grace, and mercy of a God in Chrift. In thee, bltfled 
chariot, how fweetiy ; how fafely ; how quickly I ride 
\o glory ! How I overleap every mountain of dif- 
ficulty in my way ! How all along the pafTage, my 
heart melts with love to him, that fo loved me, and 
gave himfelf for me ! 

3. It refembles a BED, guarded in the night by three- 
fcore valiant men of Ifrael a. Inflated in this, O Jefus, 
■we fweetiy reft with thee, and mutually embrace one 
another, and by thee are rendered fruitful in good 
works. Here all we the chofen children of God are 
fcegotten, nourifh.d, and warmed. To guard us during 
« he night of trouble and time, we are attended by thy 
powerful perfections, mighty angels, and faithful mi- 
nifters. 

4. It is reprefented as a building and banqueting- 
IIOUSE b. O thrice glorious ftru&ure of grace and mer- 
cy, whofe foundation is Jefus' perfon, and Jehovah's 
love ! whofe covering is the righteoufnefs of an incar- 
nate God ! whofe ftore is all the fulnefs of God ! Here, 
embannered with everlafling, with all- attracting, all- 
conquering love, you ranfomed drink of the fpiced wine 
of the juice of his pomegranates ; receive out of his ful- 
nefs grace for grace, till there be no more room to re- 
ceive it; joyfully feed on flefh, which is meat indeed, 
and his blood, which is drink indeed. 

5. It is reprefented as a Testament c. Here God 

clifpone3 all things into Chrifl's hand ; and he bequeathes 

them to us men, linful and unworthy. With his blood 

and death, it is confirmed ; and all its promifes are in 

o Song iii. 6, 7, 8. b Psal. lxxxix. 1, 2.- Song ii. 4. 

€ licb. vit. 11. 



Of metaphors respecting the Covenant of Grace. 299 
him, yea and amen, to the glory of God. Nor can any 
difannul or add thereto. O thrice honourable title to 
eternal life ! Be it all my falvation, and all my defire, 
though he make it not to grow 

6 It is reprefented as God's oath a. Therein hath 
he pledged to Ghriit, and to us in him, his exiftence, 
life, glory, and perfection, for the fall accomplifhment of 
every promife thereof. O. rich charter ; fure title to 
eternal blifs ! God hath ipoken ; hath written ; hath 
fworn in his holinefs, 1 will rejoice. In believing ex- 
pectation, 1 will divide, I will commence the enjoy- 
ment of, my unbounded felicity. God hath fworn, that 
my Ghrifl is a pried for ever ; that he hath no pleafure 
in my death ; that he will not be wroth with me, nor 
rebuke me ; that, Surely blemng he will blefs me, and 
multiplying he will multiply my everlafting fatisfa&ion 
and blifs. Is there any conveyance, any charter like 
mine, mine enemies themfelves being judges ! O rich ! 
comprehending all the fulnefs of God ! O fure ! a cove- 
nant of peace, that cannot be broken ! O fafe ! that nei- 
ther thieves can fteal^ fire burn, floods drown, or time 
wafte ! O free ! difpenfed in gracious promifes? fweeter 
than honey to my tafte ! 

CHAP. III. 
Of metaphors respecting the word of god in 

GENERAL. 

1. C^ OD's word is compared to an instructor, com- 
^ r panion, and counsellor b. It contains the 
whole revelation of his mind to us. It teacheth us every 
ufeful truth ; abides with us in every cafe ; comforts 
us in every grief; directs us in every perplexity. Blejflfcd 
counfeller, let me commit myfelf wholly to thee ■ de- 
pend on thee ; and readily receive thy dictates. When 
I lie down, fpeak thou to me. When I rile up, and walk 
by the way, talk thou with me. 

a F*al, ex 4> and Ixxxjx J, 35, Ezek, xyi 10, b Ps a ] cxix. 24, 98* 



3©0 SACTlD TROPOLOGY. 

2. It refembles the nfck of a human body a. There- 
by ihe church is joined to Chrifl ; her life maintained; 
her food conveyed from him; and her fpiritual breath 
of prayer, praife, and preaching, tranfmitted. Adds 
not this greatly to her comelinefs ! and is it not chained 
about with golden promifes, ordinances, and bleflings ? 

3. The fcriptitres refembles a mother's BREASTS b. It 
coniiits of two facred teltaments, between which, as the 
meeting centre, Jefus, during the night of time, lodges. 
How thefe adorn his myftical body ; and convey the fpi- 
ritual milk of faving knowledge, and gracious influence 
to her members ! 

4 It is reprefented as a mother's BELLT c. Thereby 
are faint's and graces begotten, quickened, and nouriOied, 
in this their weak ftate ; and thereby, are they hid and 
protected from clanger. Till my glorious birth, may I 
lie and feed here I '-...-: 

5. It refembles two twin roes feeding among lilies d. 
How freih, comely, and glorious, its two infpired tefta- 
ments ! How harmonioufly connected ! How they feed, 
or dwell, upon Chrifl and his people ! How thick planted 
with lilies of precious promifes ! My foul, let them be to 
thee, as the loving hind and pleafant roe ; let thy breads 
fatisfy thee at all times, and be thou ever ravimed with 
the love of Chrift in them* 

6. It is called statutes e. By God's infinite wifdom, 
it is framed ; by his fovereign autiiority, it is ratified 
and published ; and is indifpenfabiy obligatory on our 
confeience. 

7. Itis called a law/. Every article thereof is (lamp- 
ed with the authority of the one Lawgiver, able to fave 
alive, or deflroy. It fufficiently teacheth, directs, and 
binds us to an holy practice. To our unfpeakable ad- 
vantage, we conform to it ; and tc our inexprefiible hurt, 
we walk co.urary thereto. 

8. It is called judgments £. O the wifdom and know- 
ledge of God dii'playtd th rein ! By it he now judges 
our actions ; requires us to judge oui {"elves ; and by it 
he will judge us at the laft day, 

a Song i. io, and iv 4. b Song i. 14, and iv 5. c Song vii 2. 

4SonfvjJ7, /I^J.xIxS. /Foa].xix7. g I'm. xm g. 



Of metaphors respecting the Covenants of Grace 301 

9. It is called testimonies a- Solemnly and faith- 
fully it declares to us every momentous truth concerning 
God, concerning Chrift, concerning ourfelves, and our 
neighbour : and is attefted by the facred oath of Father^ 
Son, and Holy Ghorr. 

10. It is reprefented as a testament b. It is the 
laii will of our crucified Redeemer. It is immutably 
confirmed and ratified by his death ; and therein hath he 
gracioufly and diftin&ly bequeathed to us all his inefti- 
mable bleflings, his fulriefs of rightecufnefs, grace, and 
glory j and left us all the important rules of our con- 
du&. 

11. It is compared to light c. How heavenly its 
origin ! How marvellous its nature and influence ! How 
aftoni fning and numerous its myfteries ! How pure ! how 
glorious, pleafant, and comfortable its truths ! How pe- 
netrating, purifying, quickening, difcovering, and di- 
recting its virtue ! While I have this light, let me walk 
in it, left darknefs come upon me. Do thou, Jefus, o- 
pen mine eyes, that I may fee wondrous things out of 
thy law. 

1 2. It is compared to a lamp d. Lighted by the in- 
fpiratron, and (Lining by the oil-like influence of the 
Holy Ghoft, it irradiates dark places of the earth, and 
dark corners of our heart. How different the degrees 
of its brightness as it is more or lefs carefully fnuffed 
and preferved from alteration or mifinterpretation ! How 
eafily and oft removed from one place to another ! How 
oft do minifters therewith light up Jefus' friends to their 
celeftial chambers, and return themfelves to the black- 
nefs of darknefs ! It is a light only fuited to the night 
of time, and fmall in comparifon of the bright vifion and 
glory to be revealed. — It is a lamp ordained, divinely 
fet up, to publihH the excellency, and draw men to 
Jefus, God's Anointed -—May it be a light to my feet, 
and a lamp to my paths ! 

13. It is compared to iire e. How abfolutely necef- 
fary in our cold earth ! How powerfully it penetrates 
into, illuminates, warms, melts, foftens, quickens, com- 

a Psal xix 7. b Heb ix if. c Psal cxix 50, 105. 

d J?sa! cxix 105. e Jei. xxiii 29. 



3©2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

forts, and purifies our heart! burns up our inward cor- 
ruption, and conforms us to its own likenefs ! Ye mi- 
nifters of God, keep it not back, from jour people, left it 
be in your bowels, as a tormenting, a burning fire. Ye 
fons of men, meditate and mufe thereon, th?,t its fire mny 
feize you; caufe your heart to burn, while Jefus opens 
to you the fcriptiires. (Viench not its influence by b:oody 
crimes, by prefampticus rebellion againft God ; nor by 
wallowing in fin, and drinking up iniquity; nor by 
earthly- mindedrefs and fe ifualky ; nor by neglect to ad- 
minifter due fuel in the exerclfe of reading, hearing, me- 
ditation, and prayer. 

14. It is compared to rain and DEW a % How heaven- 
ly and divine its origin ! How gradually and irrefiftibly 
it is revealed to the church, and applied to the heart ! 
How numerous its articles of hi'tory, prophecy, promife, 
threatening, doctrine, and law ! How feafonably it de« 
fcends, in the night of time and diftrefs, or morning of 
gracious opportunity !• How pieafant, comely, refrefhfuJ, 
restoring, foftening, and often infenfible its application to 
our foul: Let thy doctrine, O jefus, drop as the dew, 
and diftil as the rain ; fo mail we revive as the corn, 
grow as the lily, and calf forth our roots as Lebanon. 

1 5. It is compared to waters b. It, chiefly its pro- 
mifes, furniihed with the Father's love, the fulnefs, me- 
rit, and grace of the Son, and the unbounded influence of 
the Holy Ghoft, powerfully found, and run into our 
heart ; bear down all flnful oppofition ; fpread into all 
our inward powers, and outward practice; and among 
all the various nations of men. How fuitable to the cafe 
of every one, finiier or faint ! How effectually it cools 
our burning luft ! quenches our carnal defires ! purges 
off our filth ! beautifies our heart and life .' refreshes, 
nourifht-s, ftrengthens, heals, mollifies, quickens, and 
fructifies our foul ! Ghrift's fpr inkling us with this wa- 
ter, imports his gradual, dole, careful, and plenteous 
application thereof to our heart, Tind confeience ; to purge 
us from dead works, to ferve the living God. 

lG It is represented as seed, or good seed c. How 

a Dtut. xxxii. 2. b Isa !v. 1. Zcch. xiv. 8.. 

c 1 Vet. i. 23. Mark iv. .',-—20. 



Of metaphors respecting the word of God, 303 
precious, ufeful, and necelTary ! With what care and ikill, 
doth Jefus, its producer and fower, in every age and cafe, 
delightful, or ftormy, caft it into his church, and the 
hearts of his people ! That it may bud and grow up, it 
mull be hid in our heart; dwell in us richly ; and be co- 
vered with meditation and prayer; nor, immediately 
after it is Town, muft we expert, fenfibly to perceive 
and enjoy its good fruits. The froft of affliction and 
temptation is ufeful, to deepen its root, and kill the 
weeds of corruption, that to choke it fpontaneoufly 
fpring up in our fouL But chiefly, the warmth of the 
Sun of iighteoufnefs, the rain and dew of the blefled 
Spirit, and the influences of the moon of inftituted or- 
dinances, concur to promote its growth. If early and 
abundantly fown, and if the earliefl buds of corruption 
are carefully nipt, it profpers the more: if fuperficially 
received, either Satan and his agents, quickly catch it 
away ; or promifing appearances quickly wither ; or the 
thorny cares of a prefent life, choke the word, and ren- 
der it unfruitful. What abundant fruit did an hand- 
ful hereof, fown by the apoftles, on the barren moun- 
tain of our Gentile world, produce ! 

17. It is compared to wheat a. How noted its value! 
its purity and folidity ! its duration and power to endure 
ftorms ! How wholeforne, healing, and nourffhing its 
■influence ! ' Is it not an heap of wheat fet about with 
lilies? How large its fulnefs, and various its truths! 
How furrounded with fragrant, flouriming, and medi- 
cinal promifes ; and with ranfomed men, feeding there- 
on! Do not all its truths centre, in Jefus, the lilly of the 
valley ? What then, is the unfubftantial chaff of vain 
imaginations to this wheat, faith the Lord ! 

18. It is compared to food h. How abfolutely necef- 
fary to fupport our inward life ! How* plentifully pro- 
vided of God ! How all-fuiting ! how nourifning and 
ftrengthening to our heart ! Hew naturally the children 
of God turn to, and feek after it ! and with what fre- 
quency and pleafnre they receive it ! Was it, my foul, 
ever found, and eaten by thee ? Was it the joy and re- 
joicing of my heart ? Do I live, not by bread alone, but 

* Jer. xxiii, 28. Song vii. 2, b Matth. iv. 4. 



3©4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God r* 
IDo I more carefully, more frequently, attend the repaft 
of my foul, than of this mortal worm, my body ? Hap- 
py I, that tho' the meat be cut off from the field there 
is enough in my Father's inspired granary, and tofpare^ | 
Eat, my foul, that which is good, and delight tbvielf in 
fatnefs. Bread {hall be given me, and my water mail be 
fure. No drought nor heat can fmire ; no eaft wind can 
blafl the field of his promifes. No poverty, idlcnefs, or 
guiit, can break, my tide to his provifion. Work not 
therefore thy own works, but believe, eat, drink, and be 
merry; for thine eternal to- morrow fhali be as this 
day, and much more abundant. 

L9. It is compared to honey a. How glorious its ori- 
gin ! Her?, by the amazing (kill, care, and labour of an 
incarnate God, the quintefTence of creation, of more than 
ten thoufand creations, of Godhead., is prepared for us! 
How ravifhing its fweetnefs ! delightfully iickening my 
heart, una rendering even troubles fweeter than honey 
to my tafte! HowefTe&uaiiyitfoftens our inward powers! 
fearch 3 ? and heals our fpirituai fores! recovers from in- 
ward confumptions! purges andnouriuhes our foul! Yet 
ah ! how lothed by many, who have accefs to it ! — John's 
little book was fwet in his mouth, Lut bitter in his 
belly. With pleafure he received the knowledge of fu- 
ture -vents ; but was grieved to think of the forefeen 
adverfities ot the church of God. — Be thou, my foul, a 
btify bee, gathering honey from every infpired flower ; 
fo m:H that fet on my table be full of fatnefs; full of 
ravifhing fweetnefs. For ever, I mail feed on pure, on 
redeeming Golhead, as myall in all. 

20. It is compared to milk, fincere and uncorrupted^. 
O its puritv and fweetnefs ! its nourilhing, reftoring, 
healing, and purifying influence! How much d-.iired and 
valued by I ie faints ! how proper food in theii earthly 
and infantile ft ate ! what noble remedy under their fpi- 
rituai confutation ! O the abundance ! Here, for abun- 
dance of milk every one may eat. may wuili his fteps in 
butter. Butter and honey mail every one eat, that 
dwells in or. r new-coveuant land, that they may know 
a i^al xix. 10. b 1 i»et. 11. I, Heb v. 1* 



Of metaphors respecting the word oj God. 305 
to refufe the evil, and chufe the good — The more plain 
truths of God's word are likened to milk, while the reft 
are compared to ftrong meat. The weaken 1 faints can 
fpiritually underfland, receive, and digeft, the former; 
while only thefe, who are grown in grace, and in the 
knowledge of our Lord Jefus Chrift, can underfland, 
feed on, and improve the latter. Lord, f mud feed with 
the weakeft, on thy plain promifes. And O how plain! 
plain! pleafant, to my heart! 

21. It is compared to gold, fine gold a. How pure, 
precious, folid, and durable ! How glorious, ufeful, en- 
riching, adorning! How fubftantial and weighty, con- 
taining much in few words! How thoroughly tried amid 
darning perfecutions, fiery trials of enraged oppofers ; 
and ia the fiery. like experience of the faints ! What a 
fovereign medicine to heal our running fores of corrup- 
tion ! What a fovereign cordial to revive, and reftore a 
drooping fpirit ! Covet earnefily, my foul, this befl thing 
this gold, that fhaii keep me; and mail, in all cafes and 
countries, pafs current, between me and my God. 

22. It is compared to SILVER tried in a furnace, and 
feven times purified b. Kow pure, precious, fhining, and 
ufeful ! O the feven- fold flames of trouble and perfec- 
tion it hath endured! And was it not, O bleffed Jefus, 
refined to the highefl in thy fiery death ! Didit thou, my 
foul, ever find drofs in him, or his word ? 

23. It is likened to a rich spoil and treasure, a he- 
ritage c. It is the fruit of ChrifVs victory over fin;, 
Satan and the world. It contains an expreffible fulnefs 
of grace and glory; all the.fulnefs of God, fufncient to 
enrich millions of deftitutc finners. How highly valued, 
and fafeiy fecured by Chrift, and his people ! He hides 
it in his hand: and they ia their heart. Evermore, Lordj 
let me follow thee, to divide this fpoil ; tc fhare this in*, 
heritance, as an heir of Chrift. 

24. It refembles a plough J. Divinely applied to our 
heart, it breaks up the fallow ground, breaks the roots 
of corruption, snd prepares us for receiving the good 
feed of grace. Tije more obdurate our heart, the more 
powerful, deep, and clofc muff the application of the word 

a P*al. cxix, 72, h Psa!. xii. 6. c Psal. cxix, i6z. d Hosea x. 12. 

C c 



3?6 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

be. How proper for its- operation, the winter of adver- 
fey, and fpring-tide of youth! How necefTary that every 
application be attended with the rainy influence of the 
Holy Spirit ! 

25. It is compared to a rod and staff a. By it ef u 
the great Shepherd of the ikeep, hints his will, draws, 
directs, fuppprts, and comforts his people. When I 
walk through the troublous valley of the fhadow of 
death let this rod and ftafi* comfort me; fo (hall I fear 
no evil.— — It is the rod of Chi id's ftrength, and his 
fcep^re of righteoufnefs* Hereby he difplays his power, 
equitv, and fittifhed righteoufnefs, in the conviction, con- 
version, and lanctificaticn of his people ; and hereby he 
difplays his fovereignty, authorizes his ordinances, and 
teftifies his kindnefs to his people ; and orders deft ruction 
for his enemies. 

26. It is compared to an hammer b. Thereby Gcd 
beats and breaks our hard hearts ; fattens iii them the 
nails of convincing influence, of regulating precepts, 
awing threatemngs, fan&ifying and encouraging pro- 
miles. When thy wards. O Maftef of afiemblies, are 
by thee fixed in my foul, I am prickt to the heart ; all 
my powers cry out, What iiiaii I do t© be faved ? Giv r e 
me Ghrift, or elfe 1 die. 

27. it is compared to a sword, and called the fword 
of the Spirit c. It w;s the Spirit, who framed ard en- 
dited it; and, by applying it to our foul, he wounds our 
confidence flays our luff, pierces and fubdues our heart. 
How excellent its metal and form, for the fpirirual war- 
fare ! By managing it aright, we through the Spit it, 
convince or filence the erroneous, defend c . 1 foul, over- 
come our fpiritual enemies,. fubdue the flavifh fear of 
dentil, mortif cur I ufts, glorify God, and promote our- 
ftlves to ever lofting honour. 

28. It is likei cc 1 . to BOW and arrows d. By means 
thereof, God powerfu !y, fudefenly, and oft fome what 
imperceptibly c vidces, converts, and fubdues linners 
to bimfelf. Lord, cauls the arrows of thy truth and 

a Psal. xxiii, 1. and xlr. 6, and ex. 2, b J or :<\iii. 29. 

c l J 3 yl, x.v. 3. £])ii. vi. 17. d Psal. xiv. 45. 



Of metaphors respecting the wor d of God. 507 
influence, (lick faft in the heart of thine enemies, to 
make the people fall in fubje&ion under thee ! 

29, It refembles the tower of David buikled for an 
armoury, whereon hang a thoufand (hields of mighty 
men a. How ftrong, invincible, and glorious ! How 
richly "furni&ed with ail the armour of God ! Here is 
the fword of fufEcient arguments againft every tempta- 
tion and error ; the fliieldof God himfclf, and of faith 
in him, to avert every fiery dart, or deathful pufti ; the 
girdle of faithful proniifes and divine truths, to fortify 
and encourage our heart ; the breaii-plate of imputed 
righteoufnefs, and fanclifying grace, to fecure our foul ; 
the helmet of a well-grounded hope of falvation, the 
fhoes of gofpel-principles, and the artillery of manifold 
prayers. Chufe, my foul, thine armour from hence; 
there is none like it ; Lord, give it me. 

30. The fcriptures refemble a banqueting house, 
where the guefts are embannered with jefus' love b. 
By bringing into the fpiritual knowledge thereof, what 
ftores cf repofited blelTednefs, he difcovers ! How fweet- 
\y hefeafts, refreshes, flrengthens, and animates, to die 
fpiritual warfare, with his love, which is better than 
wine ! 

3 1 .They are compared to Solomon's green and guard- 
ed BED c. What fweet reft in, communion with, and 
fanctifying and fructifying influence, do we therein re- 
ceive from Jefus Chrift, while divine perfe&ions, holy 
angels, and vigilant minifters, unnumbered, do guard 
and defend us, till the cold, dark, and dangerous night 
of trouble and time come to an end ! 

32. God's word is compared to a WAY or path d. 
Planned by the wifdom of God, owned by the King of 
kings ; it points out the way to obtain the heavenly coun- 
try and city. It fupports the faints, who with pleafure 
and progrefs follow one another, in attending to, depend- 
ing on, and walking therein. — Here walk, my foul, fo 
fhall I never be afhamed. Nor, let me have greater joy. 
than to fee Zion's children walking in the truth, more 

a Song iv. 4, and vii. 4. h Song ii. 4. t Song i, i6 } 

and iii. 7, 8. d $ Jahn?4. 

Cc 2 



qo8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and more receiving it into their heart, and pra&ifing it 

in their life. 

33, It is compared to a rule, reed, or measuring- 
line a. Contemned indeed by a carnal world, but the 
exa£r., the ufeful, the divinely appointed flandard of all 
the forms and ordinances of the church, and of every 
pari" of our conduct ; and by which we mall be judged at 
laft. — Alway therefore, my foul, enquire what faith the 
Lord. 

34. It is compared tv } a GLASS h. Through it, we 
behold our own infufliciency and filthinefs, the glory of 
God in Chrift, the momentous reality of eternal things, 
and the true path of holinefs that leadeth to blifs* Be- 
ticld in this glafs, my foul, thyfelf, and be humbled ; 
behold the glory of Chrifi, that thou mayeil be changed 
into the fame image, from glory to glory, as by the Spi- 
rit of the Lord. Nor be thou a forgetful hearer, that 
quickly forgets what manner of appearance he faw. 



CHAP. IV. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING LAW AND GOSPEL. 

THESE are the two principal parts of God's word. 
Tneiaw teacheth us what duty God requires of us, 
and the gofpel, what blefiings he frtely gives us. 



SECT. I. 

Of the /aw. 

, lt r T"*HE law is reprefented as a school-master to 
JL b ring us to Chrift c. The moral law ihews us 
our need of him, for by it is the knowledge of fin ; it 
demands of us, that righteoufnefs- we can only find in 
him ; chargeth us to embrace him, as foon as revealed 
and offered ; and prevents our quiet refting in any thing, 

« Ezek. |1. &c. b 2 Cor. iii. 18. c Gal. ii*. 24. 



Of metaphors respecting the law, 309 

till we find him. Darkly the ceremonial pointed out 
the myftery of Chrift, and with hard fervices and carnal 
ordinances led to his perfon, righteoufnefs, and grace, as 
the fulfilling end of its types and fhadows. 

2. The law is called a KILLING LETTER a, No law 
of itfelf, can give us any life ; but kills our vain hopes 
and imaginations. Sin takes cecalion from it, to abound, 
and promote our fpiritual death. The moral law as a 
covenant, condemns us to all manner of death in fin and 
wo. Simply confidered, the ceremonial law confided of 
lifelefs rites and fervices, which ufed without refpect to 
Chrift, entailed curfes and death upon its fubjeels, as 
they led them away from the fountain of life, to their 
own righteoufnefs ; by which they could not live. How- 
beit, God's punifhing lfrael, by giving them flatutes 
that were not good, is not to be underflood of j 2 cere- 
monial law, but of God's giving them up to obey the 
finful edidls of Jeroboam and his idolatrous fucceflkrs. 

3. It is called a lamp and light b. Plainly it points 
our our duty, and blemifhes in heart and life. And how 
pleafant to be directed by it in Chrfft's way! 

4. It is called a path and way c> Planned by Goa r 
and plain in itfelf"; we are to exercife ourfeives in it, 
hy making progrefs towards the city of God. How 
peaceful.! Great peace with God, -and with their own. 
confcience, have all they who love and walk in it ; and 
when a man's ways pleafe the Lord, he makech evens 
his enemies to be at peace with him. How plain ! no- 
thing fhall offend them, who walk therein. How plea*. 
fant to walk together in unity, with divine perfons, and 
fellow-faints ! How holy,juf>, and good ! None but ho- 
ly perfons, the redeemed of the Lord, walk there ; no- 
thing but holy exercifes is a walking therein. How 
fpiritual ! unfeen but to the fpiritual man, and w?Jkecl 
ill by ferving God in the Spirit, rejoicing in Chrift Je- 
fus, and having no confidence in the iLfh ! How ft rait I 
excluding every unregenerate perfon, and every finful 
thought, word, or deed* How exceeding broad ! re- 
quiring dudes unnumbered,, in every circurnftance of 
heart and life. How fafe i the way-faring man, tuou'o-hi. 

a t Cur, iii. 16, b Prov. vi, 23, c. Psal, cxix, 1^ 

kc.3 



$10 SACRED TROPOLOGY* 

a fool, {hall not err therein. It is a way of life ; 
walked in by the living in Jerufalem ; a way wherein 
life is ever communicate* and which leadeth to life as 
an eternal, but gracious reward. Is above, is heaven- 
ly, in its origin, nature, and tendency ; and by it we 
depart from hell, which is beneath. Here, let me ever 
run, when God enlargeth my heart. 

5. It is compared to a HEDGh. a. Thereby God li- 
mits our motions, and points out, whether we may, or 
may not go. What hurt in his work, and what punim- 
ment in the iffue, doth its breaker expofe himfelf to ! 
The old ferpent, the devil, the ferpent of a Hinging con- 
icience, and the ferpent of God's judgments, mall bite 
him. 

6. It is reprefented as a yoke ; bands ; cords h. 
With J. vine authority, it reftrains our finful liberty 
and madnefs ; and keeps us to our ftation and work. 
How galling to ©ur corrupt nature and lufts ! and at 
what endlefs peril, we attempt to lhake it ofF, by refu- 
ting obedience ! The law as a rule in the hand of Chrift, 
is an eafy yoke and light burden ; it is lined with his 
redeeming love, fweetened with his pattern, attended 
with communication of his itrength, and enforced with 
a glorious and free reward, to the weakell, if fincere, 
attempt to draw therein. Why then, my foul, art thou 
as an unruly bullock, unaccuftomed to this yoke ? Why 
fo many criminal attempts to make ofF the yoke, and 
buril the bands? why this refitting of the Lord, and 
ftruggling to evade his authority ? Is it not HE, who 
lays my meat, my life, my all to me ? The law of cere- 
monies, and as a [covenant of works, is a yoke of bon- 
dage : the former chained down to burden-fome'fervices 
innumerable ; and the latter rigoroufly demands what 
we can never perform. 

• 7. It is called the law of liberty e. To obey it as a 
rule, is the privilege of thofe only, whom God's Soa 
hath made tree indeed. The obedience of love to it, 
fprings from our freedom from the law as a covenant, 
and is the very quintefTence of our honourable and de- 
lightful liberty. Lord, my true freedom from finful 
a Eccl. x, 18. b Psal, ii, 3. c James i. 25. 



Of metaphors respecting the gospel. 3 r r 

flavery lies in being thy filial fubjecr.. Truly I am the 
fervant, I am thy fervant ; thou haft loofed my hands. 

8. It is called the royal law a. Eitabliihed by God, 
the univerfal Sovereign, it extends to all his rational 
fubjecb ; nor, without high-treafon* can it be broken. 
It is not made for a righteous man, is not made tocurfe 
and condemn hitn. Nor have the truly righteous na- 
tion any immediate connection with it, as a covenant, it 
being dead to them, and they to it, by Jefus' fulfiling it 
in their fiesd. 

9. The law of the wife is called a fountain of life b\ 
the divine law, which every wife man attends to, as his 
rule. The inftruclions wife men give to oihers, are 
means of exciting, to apply to Chrift, the refurre&ion 
and the life ; means of quickening, reviving, and reltor- 
ing fpiritual life ; means of efcaping the fecond death, 
and preparing for life eternal. 

10. The ceremonial laws is called carnal ordinances, 
and a carnal commandment c. It prescribed carnal 

and nefhly rites ; and carnal or natural dtfcent intitled 
to the privileges thereof. 

ii. The ceremonial law is called a partition- wall d\ 
becaufe of the great diftindlion it made between the Jews 
and Gentiles ; nor till Jefus removed and abolithed it 
by his death, was any confiderable number of Gentiles 
brought into the church of God. 

12. The ceremonial law is called enmity e. The a- 
crinces therein required, manifeded God's indignation 
at fin, and the enmity between him and finful men. Its 
burdenfome fervice occafioned the Jews hatred of God 
to increafe more and more. The diftincticn it put be- 
tween Jews and Gentiles, occafioned enmity between 
the two. 

**• «^^- @ *- .^-.^ 

SECT. II. 

Of the go/pel 

I r jf HE gofpel is called the Spirit that giveth \i£ef„ 
JL It contains fpiritual bleffings and promifes. 1% 

a James ii. 8. b Frov xul 14. c Heb. ix. io, and vii. 1^ 

de Eph, ii, 14, 15. / 2 Cur, iii. 6. 



5T2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

com^s from, is attended by, and is the great means of 
conveying to us the Spirit of God. It effectually pene- 
trates our foul and Spirit. By it the Holy Ghoft quick- 
ens dead finners, (hews them their way of life by Chrift ; 
heals their deadly, their finful wounds ; works a lively 
faith in their foul, to look to, and live upon him. It is 
the food, that fupports the fpiritual life ; the cordial, 
that revives and reftores the heart under every droop- 
ing circumftance. 

2. It is represented as the WHITE horse, whereon Chrift 
and his people ride a. O its purity, glory, and comeli- 
nefs ! By it Jefus proclaims pe?ce to men, and fubdues 
them to hi cafe If. On this in the apoftolic age, he went 
forth conquering; and in the Millennium he mall go forth, 
more eminently to conquer the hearts cf his people. 
Then, in accomplishment of, and as animate, fupported, 
and dignified, by gofpel-promifes, mall multitudes fol- 
low him, and promote the deftruction of Antichrift. 

j. It refembles Solomon's chariot of the wood of 
Lebanon b. Framed by Jefus, for the fafe, the eafy, and 
honoured cenqueft, and conveyance of his people to hea- 
ven ; how pure, precious, glorious, fragrant, and Jail- 
ing ! Its pillars of iilver, are its comely, ufeful, and 
enriching truths and promifes. Its bottom of gold; is 
its fubilantial and precious foundation truths ; or the in- 
finitely precious, perfon of Chrift, and God in him. Its 
covering of purple, is the doctrine of jufti neat ion through 
Jefus' blood ; and of the crofs endured for his fake. Its 
inw r ard pavement of love, is the unmatched kindnefs and 
mercy of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, running 
thro'ugh every truth and promife therein contained. 

4. Its promifes are like lillies c. Q their pleafant- 
nefs, glory, fragrancy, and height ! How fruitful of 
everlafting bleftings ! How full of medicinal virtue, for 
the healing of our foui ! How condefcendent and fuit- 
ed to our low, our wretched condition ! Bleffed field of 
infpiration, how thefe every where abound ! How they 
bend their bleffed head towards mean, debafed, earthly^ 
fenfual, develifh me 1 How they rcfrefh mine eves, and 

Rev. vi. 2, and xix 14. b Song iii. 9, iq, c Song. 

ii. 7>and yii. z. 



Of metaphors rcfpc&ing the go/pel. 313 

rejoice my heart ! How rank they frnell of Jcfus ? the 
lilly of the valley ! And truly as lillies among thorns, 
£0 are they to my foul, amidfl her troubles, and her cre- 
ated comforts. 

5. It is called the grace of God that bringeth falva- 
tion, and great falvation a. It flows from, difcovers, and 
includes the rich, free, and undeferved favour of God, 
and the Mailed fruits thereof. It publilhes, brings near, 
offers, and is the means of applying, a coitly, extenfirve, 
r»nd everlaflmg falvation to men. Truil thyfelf, my 
foul, to this word of his grace, fail not of this grace, 
nor receive it in vain; let it enter and captivate my 
lieart ; fo fliall I never be a root of bitternefs, bearing 
gall and wormwood, whereby many are defiled. 

6. It h celled the power of God unto falvation h. By 
it, God ciifplays his amazing power, in the contrivance, 
in the pu^chafe and application of our redemption* 
Thereby he exerts the exceeding greatnefs of his power, 
in convincing, in converting, in forgiving, fanctifying, 
and comforting his people. By means of it is our re- 
bellion quafh^ i ; oar enmity flain ; Satan diflodged ; 
corruption fubdued; bars of iron, and gates of brafs, 
Strong impediments, broken and removed ; nations re- 
formed ; men, furious as outrageous beaits, tamed , and 
deep-roored and earneilly held abominations, -abolifhed. 
Gome, bkflcd day of power; come forth, bltffed rod of 
Jefus' ftrength, then (hall the people be willing ; God 
fliall raife children out of worfe than ftones to Abraham. 
Nothing is too hard, when his power is prefent to heal 
them. 

7. It is called the wisdom of God in a mjflery ; the 
manifold wisdom of God c. How manifold its doc* 
trines and promifes ! How manifold the inftances and 
rajs of divine wrfdom in each ! and the various times 
and feafons in which, and perfons to which, it is difplay- 
■ed ! It difcovers how wifely Jehovah acted, in choonng 

' the perfons, in whofe redemption grace would, peculi- 
arly fhine ; in founding his choice upon his own mere 
love, that the promifes might be fure to all the feed ; in 
laying our help upon One that is mighty, that it might 
s Tit.ii.u. Heb. ii. 3. b Rom, i. 16. < i Cor, i. 7, Eph. Hi. ia. 



§14 SACRED TROP0L06Y. 

never fail ; in bringing about our v falvation in a way, 
that produces glory to himfeif in the higheft, peace on 
earth, and good-will towards men ; in a way, whereby 
Satan is fhamed, fin condemned, Tinners faved ; the un- 
godly juftilied, ungodlinefs deftroyed ; iniquity forgie n, 
and full vengeance taken on our inventions ; in a way, 
whereby our redemption is all of mercy, and all of jus- 
tice ; all of merit, and all of grace. O fwe«t myitery ! 
beyond archangels comprehenfiveken ! 

8. It may be called the kisses of Ch rift's mouth a. 
From him, its doctrines and promifes proceed ; the ilamp 
of his authority, they bear. How fweetly they atteft 
his peace and reconciliation ! declare and vent his love ! 
How effectually they delight our foul ! ravifhour heart! 
and excite our affection and love to him I Let Jefus kifs 
me, with one, with all the kitties of his mouth ; apply 
one, apply al! his promifes to my heart, to kindle it 
wholly into a flame of love to himfelf ! 

9. It is called a. law b. It is the will of a fovereign 
God, proclaiming his edicts of peace and pardon. It en- 
gages him to bellow his bleflings on us : and binds and 
determines us to receive Lis grace, and obey his com- 
mands. Nor mall it ever be repealed, becaufe Jefus hath 
an unchangeable priefthood. It is the law of the Spirit 
of life in him, as by it, the Holy Ghoft, as dwelling in, 
fent by, and taking of the things of Chrift, tofhew them 
to us, begets, preferves, reftores, increafes, and perfects 
our life fpiritual ; fecures us of, and prepares us for e- 
ternal. It is the law of faith, the feed, the means, the 
ground and ftandard of our faith. It comes forth out 
of Zion and Jerufalem : flows from Chrift as the temple 
a«d habitation of God; and from Jerufalem did its New- 
Teftament difpenfation proceed, and fpre?ri among the 
Gentiles. O may I meditate on this law, day and 
night ; may it be better to me, than thoufands of gold 
and filvcr I 

10. It is called good tidings of great joy c. O the 
necdl'ary, the ufeful, the fuitable, the important, the de- 
lightful, and ravifiiing news it brings from heaven to 

a Song i. 2. b Isa. ii. 1, 2. Rom. v:ii. 2, and Hi. 27. 

e isa. lii. 8. Luke ii. iq. 



Of metaphors respecting the gospel. 315 

finful men ! Tidings of righteoufnefs, pardon, and ac- 
ceptance, to the guilty ! Tidings of purification to the 
polluted ! of health to thedifeafed ! of liberty to th«i en- 
flaved snd imprifoned ! of clothing to the naked ! of food 
to the hungry and fcarving ! of light to them that lit m 
darknefs of diilrefs and ignorance ! of riches to the poor, 
comfort to the mourner, peace to the traitor, life to the 
dead, and falvarion to the loll ! How oft have thefe 
good news from the far country been as cold water to 
my thirfiy and weary foul ! It is cslled the gofpel, or 
good tidings of God ; it proceeds from him, declares his 
love and loveiinefs ; promotes his honour, and brings 
men to him : the gofpel of Chrift, as he is the principal 
preacher, the fubfc-nce and end of it, m -whom all its 
articles are yea and amea to the glory of God ; the gof- 
pel of minilUrs, as they preach and publifh it. It is the 
gofpd of .peace, as it proclaims the peace of God to us, 
and the means thereof; and reconciles our heart to him, 
aad to one another in love. It is the gofpel of falvation, 
as it proclaims, brings near, offers, exhibits, and is the 
means of applying, tke great, the everlafting falvation, 
to our foul,. It is an everlafting gofpel, as it mall be 
difpenfed till the end of time ; and its fruits fliall remain 
for ever. It is the gofpel of the kingdom of grace, and 
which brings men, who believe it, to the kingdom of 

11. It is called a MYSTERY a. O the incompreheniible 
truths it reveals ! That there are three perfons in one 
Godhead, or divine effence : that the Son of God was 
manifeft in the flefti ; fuffered the jufl, for the unjuit, 
that he might bring finners to God ; died for our offen- 
ces, and rofe again for our juftincation ; was exalted as 
a Prince and Saviour, to give us repentance and remif- 
iion of iins ; fent to bk-fs us, make us the righteoufnefs 
of God in him, and dwell in our hearts by faith ; that 
being crucified with Chrift, we might live by faith on 
him, and have the world cruciled to us and we to the 
world. Is not every do£trine thereof an unfearchable 
deep, ihown only by the Spirit of God, and which even 

a Eph. iii. 9. 1 Tim. iii. 16. Matth, xiii. 11. 



3I6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

a wife man cannot find out to perfe&icn ! O the heighf, 
the depth, the length, and breadth of the love, the wif- 
dom, and knowledge of God, included therein ! It is 
the myftery of godlinefs, which founds and promotes 
conformity to, and reverence of God ; holinels in heart 
and life. The myflery of the kingdom, known only in 
the kingdom of grace and glory. Pant thou, my foul, 
for the fellowfhip of this myfiery of Chrift ; with angels 
defire to look into it. 

12. It is likened to a trumpet a. With great fkill it 
is to be preached. How majeftic and pleafant its joyful 
found ! its agreeable declarations ! How iweetly ! how 
loud it prpclaims the approaches of king Jefus to men ! 
and their deliverance from fin and wrath by him ! Of 
what unbounded importance its declarations ! and how 
diftind ! It warns us to flee from the wrath to come ; 
invites us to Jefus, the Saviour and great One. Quickly 
may it be blown over all the earth ; that fuch as are 
ready to perifh, may come and wcrlhip before the Lord 
of hofts. 

13. It is compared to rivers of living, and all-quick- 
ening water b ; becaufe of its freeneis, fulnefs, purity, 
perpetuity, and patency to all ; ar*d for its cleanfing, 
beautifying, protecting, refrefhing, and enriching virtue. 
By it Jefus begets, preserves, reftores, promotes, and per- 
fects, the fprritual life of his people, and brings them to 
eternal. This river proceeds from the temple, and runs 
by the altar of Goo j flows from his love, and through 
the blood and facrifice of his fon. Gradually it increafes 
from a bubbling drop to an unpaflable flood. Before the 
deluge, it was very fmall in appearance ; but gradually it 
incre^fed by new revelations, till, in theapoftolic age, it 
became like a river. Before Jefus' refurrection, it was 
inconfiderable, in refpeel of its appearance in the apoilo- 
lic and millennial age. It runs into the dead fea, and 
Vrlii-y of Shi. rim j fpreads among dead and barren Gen- 
tilt nations, and into curfed, barren, and lifelefs hearts. 
It makes every thing to live whitherfoever it cometh ; 
had, and fhall have, an amazing fuccefs in quickening 
dead imners, and reviving dying faints; but heals not 

a I»a. xxvii. 12. &Ezek,xlvii. i t — 4, Joel in. 18. Zech. xiv. 8. 



Of metaphors respe&ing the gospel, S 1 ^ 

marifliy places of reprobate men. The flouriming and 
fruitful trees growing on the fide of this river, are Jefus, 
the tree of life, and his comely and ufeful faints. The 
multitude of fifhers from Engedi even unto Eneglaim, 
and the multitude of fiflies caught by them in the dead 
fea, when this river has run into it, are minifters preach- 
ing, and multitudes hearing and receiving the gofpel, 
through the world, from one end to the other. Its run- 
ning both in fummer and winter, implies its being con- 
ftantly preached and applied, whether in times of pro- 
fperity or trouble, with the church, or any particular 
member thereof. 

14. It is a well or wells of falvation a. Othe depth 
of its doctrines and promifes ! Without faith, I can draw 
nothing from them. O their perpetual fulnefs of influ- 
ence! of bleffednefs and falvation ! How fweetly calcu- 
late to delight, refrefh, nourifh, reftore, heal, quicken, 
and fructify my heart ! And is not falvation their lum, 
their all in all! 

15. The gofpel is compared to a net b. Plow curi- 
ous its frame and contexture ! How bafe and defpicable 
in the view of carnal men ! What an occafion of trouble 
and difturbauce in the fea of this world! With what Ikill, 
care, and vigour, it muft be csfl and managed, in the 
preaching of it ! To what fatigue and ftorms are its con- 
flant, its faithful preachers expofed! How feldom, they, 

'at firft, perceive their fuccefs in preaching it ! It is the 
Hated means of drawing finners out of their natural and 
worldly ftate, to Jefus Chrift. Fifties fmall and great, 
finners lefs or greater, perfons poor or rich, are caught 
therein. Teach, O Jefus, to call: this net on the right 
fide of the fhip, that a multitude may be inclofed; it is 
impoffible the net can break. Quickly, my foul, mail 
Jehovah draw it to land ; the mvftery of God fhall be 
iiniihed ; the gofpel no more difpenfed. Then {hall the 
good fifh, fuch men as were caught by the heart, be con- 
veyed to the paradife of God. Thefe, who were only 
caught by a heady illumination, and outward profeffion, 
Ihall be cail into endlefs fire. 

16. It is compared to a grain of muflard-feed, which 
a Isa.xii. 3. b Matth. xiii. 47»— - 49. 

D d 



3 iS SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

grows up into a very large ftalk a. Atfirft its difcovery 
and diipenfation were fmall and defpifed ; but it hath, or 
will overfpread the whole eatth. To what multitudes is 
it the means of refrefhing and comforting! What num- 
bers fhall profefs fubjeclion to it ! How increafing its in- 
fluence in our heart ! atfirfl:, perhaps fcarce difcernibie, 
it quickly fills the whole. What multitudes of graces 
are refrefhed ! What good works are brought forth, un- 
der the overfhadowing influence thereof ! 

17. It is compared to leaven b. However unpleafant 
and defpicable to carnal men ; yet inlaid in the world, it 
continues to fpread its influence, till the whole earth be 
filled with the knowledge of the Lord. Inlaid in mens 
heart, it fpreads its virtue, enlightening the mind, puri- 
fying the confeience, renewing the will, foftening the 
heart, inflaming the affections, and fixing the memory, 
till the whole be thereby fandtified. 

18. It is compared to light, and a glass c. What 
ravifhing, though imperfect views of Jehovah, in his 
greatnefs and love ; of Jefus in his comelinefs, office, re- 
lations, righteoufnefs, power, and grace, do we here ob- 
tain ! What prcfpe£t of life and immortality ! We look 
not at the things which are feen, which are temporal j 
but at the things which are not feen, which are eternal ; 
we fee, that henceforth is laid up for us a crown of righ- 
teoufnefs; that we fhall awake with Jefus' likenefs; and 
fhall be for ever with, and like him ; for we fhall fee him 
as he is. 

19. It refembles the treasure hid in the field d. 
How ineftimably precious, containing all exceeding great 
and precious promifes, comprehending all ineftimable 
"benefits, all the unfearchable riches of Chrift ! Wher. 
pofTeffed, how it enriches, felicitates, ennobles, and em- 
boldens towards God ! encourages and enables to refifl 
wicked lulls, angels and men! In the field of infpiration 
it lies liid, and mult be digged for by careful fearch, me- 
ditation £nd prajer. And for its fake, are the oracles 
of Heaven worth ten thoufand worlds to my heart. 

2Z It refembles chains of gold, rows of jewelj, 

#Matth.xiii 31,32. h Matth. xiii. 33. 

l«a. Ix. 1. 1 Cor. lii. 18. id Mattb. xiii. 44. 



Of metaphors respecting the gospel-dispensation. 319 

BORDERS OF GOLD, and STUDS OF SILVER a. How Well- 

connected ! how comely, precious, firm, durable, enrich- 
ing, and adorning, are its doctrines and promifes, to the 
fcripture and church -, and to every true member thereof! 
How they ftrengthen and adorn the neck of my faith ! 
render my cheeks, my countenance, my blufhing graces, 
beautiful and comely ! and make my converfation gar- 
ments, mew fplendid, and glorious ! 

21 . It is compared to shoes b. It fupports our foul, 
our grace, our walk ; influences our affections ; marks 
our liberty, and royal greatnefs. The more fixed in the 
faith thereof, the more pleafantly, fafely, and fwiftly, 
we proceed in our fpiritual journey ; and tread Satan, the 
old ferpent, and his agents, under our feet. 

22. Its leading truths refemble a Foundation c. Fix- 
ed on the teftimony of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, 
it is impoffible they can fink or fall. How glorioufly they 
fupport and embellifti the whole remaining oracles of 
God! And on them build, my foul; build, you faints, 
your whole hope of eternal felicity. 

^ — ®^^> 
CHAP. V. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING THE GOSPEL-DISPENSATION, 
AND ORDINANCES THEREOF. 

^^^@^-^^ 

SEGL I. 

Of the gofpel-difpenfation, 

I. *~PHE difpenfation of God's grace, efpecially under 
■*» the New Teftament, is called the kingdom of 
God ; the kingdom of heaven d. O the majeltic fove- 
reignty, ftate, and royalty of God therein manifefted! O 
irs beautiful order, ftrength, and duration ! and the ho- 
nourable privileges therein conferred! What multitudes 
are thereby connected, and unite under Jefus their head! 

a Song i. jo, ir. b Song vji. Sm c 2 Tim ii. 19. 

d Mark i. 14, and Matth. xx. 1. 



320 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

God is the devifer, the eftablifher, the manager, and his 
glory the end of it. It is heavenly in its origin; it re- 
fembles heaven in holinefs. comelinefs, and order; and 
prepares men for entrance into the heavenly inheritance 
of the faints in light. The New-Teflament difpenfation 
is more God-like and heavenly than the Old ; holinefs is 
the univerfal law of the houfe ; and its privileges ere 
more fpiritual and fanftifying. 

1. The. gofpeLdifpenfation in the apoftol>c age is re- 
prefented as a marriage-dinner; and that, chiefly in 
the glorious Millennium, is called the MARRIAGE-SUPPER 
of the Lamb a. The former is indeed towards the end 
of time, but nearer its middle than the other, -which mail 
but take place before the lafl judgment, God hath killed 
his oxen and fattlings ; hath il.un his own Son, to be our 
provifion ; hath prepared all poflible bleffings ; and in- 
vites every fort of finn p rs to efpoufe his Son, and accept 
of his fulnefs. From trifling and carnal motives, the 
Jews, when fitft invited, refufed to receive the mercy and 
favour; for this they were excluded from the church, 
and ordinances thereof; themfelves maffacred by the mur- 
dering Romans, and by one another ; and their city burnt 
with fire. But happy ! God extended his invitations to 
the deftitute, the wicked, and infamous Gentiles found 
in whatsoever city or nation! O now our rich provifion! 
our amazing joy and happinefs ! our honourable fellow* 
ihip with God, Father, Son and Holy Ghoft ; with angels, 
ancient patriarchs, and eminent faints, while the Jewifh 
children of the kingdom are caft out ! How fitly our en- 
tertainment prepares us for our work and the end of the 
world ! qualifies us to lie down in our dully beds of the 
grave! and to enter into cur eternal reft ! How gre<t 
Jehovah's earneflnefo to have his houfe filled Vith defti- 
tute finners! Upon invitation, what multitudes have en- 
tered, and yet there is room. By fetting before us the 
fmfulnefs and mifery of our natural flate, Jefus' excellen- 
cy, ability, and readinefs to fave, and ufing every method 
to perfuade our confctenc'e, he requires his miniflerial 
iervants to compel us to come in, that his houfe may 

a Matth xxii. r, — 14. Luln xiv. 15, — 24. Rev. xix. 7,— 9« 
Mitth. viii. 11, n. 



Of metaphors respecting the gospel dispensation 321 
be filled. But dreadful fnall be our endlefs wo, if we 
live in his church, without putting on his Son, as our 
righteoufnefs and fanclification! 

3. It is reprefented as the letting out a vineyard to 
hufbandmen a. In the ceremonial form thereof, God 
gave it to the Jews, and fent his prophets to demand, 
they mould give him the glory due to his name ; thefe 
injuriously maltreated, he fent his Son, who it might 
.have been expected, they would reverence and regard ; 
but him they murdered, that they might live as they 
lifted. For thefe things God miferably deftroyed the 
Jevviih nation, and gave the golpel to the Gentiles, that 
they might bring forth fruits of good works, aufwering 
thereto. 

4. It is compared to the hiring of labourers at different 
hours, to work in a vineyard, and giving all equal 

i wages h. In the morning of the patriarchal, in the noon- 
! tide of the ceremonial, at the ninth hour of the apoftolic 
; age, in the eleventh hour of the future Millennium, oi* 
, thoufand years reign of the faints, are multitudes divine- 
. ly invited, and brought to Chrift, and to his work in 
: the church. Nor mall the eternal blefTednefs of the for- 
mer exceed that of the latter. Murmur not, ye Jews, 
; who bore the burden of ceremonial rites, and the heat 
of laborious fervice ; murmur not, ye primitive Chri- 
itians, who bore the burden of troublefomework, and the 
, heat of fcorching perfecution ; may not Jemovah do 
with his own as he pleafeth ? Is not the whole reward 
of lovereign grace ? Let not your eye be evil, becaufe 
; his is good. In the early morning of life, are not fome; 
i in its middle, or noon, are not others ; in its evening of 
old age, are not others, though more rarely, called and 
1 drawn to Chriit ? May not a fovereign God impart to 
. all an equal ihare of his endlefs blifs ; his gracious re- 
i ward ? 

5. It is compared to a great man's giving pounds or 
I talents to his fervants, as he departs to a far country, 
I that they may occupy till he return, call them to an ac- 
count, and render them rewards according to their re- 

a Matth, xxi» 33, — 43. 6 Matth. ax, 1,— 16. 

Dd 3 



322 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

fpe&Ive improvement a. Afcending up on high, to re- 
ceive for himfelf a kingdom, Jefus committed to men, 
the precious and ufeful pounds and talents of divine 
fcriptures, of gcfpel-ordinances, of manifold opportuni- 
ties of grace and happinefs, of holy offices, gifts, and 
graces ; to feme in a greater, to others in a leflW degree. 
Thefe he requires them to improve, alway abounding in 
the work of the Lord. At the end, he will come, and 
reckon with them. Such as having real grace, have im- 
proven their talents, fhall be highly and proportionally 
rewarded with everlafting honour and joy. Such as, 
having no real grace, through hard thoughts of Jefus, 
have not improved their gifts, offices, and opportunities, 
ihall be felf condemned, and caft into endlefs wo. 

6. In the end of the world, it is like to the calling of 
wife and foelifh virgins to meet the Bridegroom h. Tho', 
like virgins in outward purity, in blameltfTnefs of life, 
and foundnefs of principle, and in apparent modefty, and 
felf-denial ; yet ah ! how many vifible church mem- 
bers are not wife unto falvation ! What multitudes 
foolifhly name the name of Chrift, without receiving 
him into their heart ! At the end of time, dreadful fhall 
be the floth and fecurity, of both faints and hypocrites. 
Ere they are aware, Chrift fhall fummon them to judg- 
ment. Happy then, thefe", who have oil of true grace, 
attending their lamps of profeflion ! their glory fhall be 
brightened ; their lamps trimmed ; -their grace perfec- 
ted ; and themfelves enter into immediate and everlafting 
fellowfhip with Chrift ! But oh unhappy thefe, who 
have lamps, but no faving grace ! None can then be 
given them ; no creature mall be able or willing to help 
them. They fhall be irreverfibly excluded from the 
fellowfhip of Chrift ; and fliut up in everlafting torments, 
where there fhall be weeping, wailing, and gnafhing of 
teeth. 

7. The gofpehftate of the New-Teftament church is 
reprefented as a rest c. How fully is our free and com- 
plete justification through the blood of Jefus therein dif- 
played ! and how powerfully applied ! How happily we 

• Malth. xxv. 14,— 30. Luke xix. 11,-27. iMatth. xxv. I,---JJ. 
c Ileb, iv, 1. 



Of metaphors respecting gospel-ordinances. 323 
are therein liberate from that fervile frame of fpirit, fa 
common to the Jews in their worlhip ! The yoke of 
troubleiame ceremonies is no more impofed ; nor is our 
confcience burdened or perplexed, concerning the punc- 
tual obfervance thereof. But the fpirit ual and eafy 
inftitutionsof the gofpel, attended with gracious freedom, 
flrength, and affiftance, are come in their room. BleiTed 
reft of heaven ! blefied form of worfhip, never to be 
changed in time, and wherein Jehovah manifefts his 
reft, in Chrift, and ii: his love towards us ! 

SECT. IF. 

Of gofpel-ordi?iances t 

1. f^ OSPEL-ORDINANCES refemble a woman's 
vJT breasts «. They are of two kinds ; ordinary 
and fealing : and thefe laft two ; baptifm and the Lord's 
fupper. How delightfully they adorn the church ; and 
nourifh her true children, to everlafting life, with the 
fincere milk of God's word ! How delightfully, during, 
the night of time, Jefus lies between, and is found in 
them ! 

2 . They refemble twin roe s feeding among the'lilies h. 
How harmonious! how well- connected ! how comely* 
pleafant and pure ! how oppofite and ruining to the old 
ferpent, and his agents ! and how oft attacked and wrath- 
fully injured by them! How delightfully maintained! 
and as it were fed among the promifes, and doctrines of 
the glorious gofpel ! And thine it is, O lily of the valley / 
and thy lilies among thorns, with pleafure to feed there- 
in. 

3. They refemble chariots ; litters ; and horses c a 
In a fwift, majeftic, and glorious manner, Jefus therein 
approacheth to our heart; and triumphantly rides thro', 
and appears in the world. And by them he eafily and 
honourably tranfports his chofen people through it to 
their better, their heavenly country. 

4. They refemble mandrakes, or dud AIM d. How 
Song viii. 1, 10. b Song iv, 5. t Isa, Ixvji 20, d Song vii. ly 



324 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

favoury, medicinal, cooling, and refrefhing to our foul ! 
ow comely and delightful to our fpiritual eje ! How 
effectually they enkindle our love to Jefus and his peo- 
ple ! and render us fruitful in good works ! Yet ah ! how 
many, by means thereof, lull themfelves into fuch 
fpiritual fleep, as nothing but the flames of hell can a- 
wake them ! 

5. They refemble spikenard a. However low and 
contemptible to carnal men ; yet to faints how precious, 
fragrant, and ufefu; ! Hew they warm our heart, comfort 
cur foul, ftfengtheti o«r appetite, and cheer our fpirit ! 
And truly, O King of kings, it is thy fitting with me at 
thy table, ia intimate fellowfhip, that makes this fpike- 
nard fend forth its fmeli, and refrefh my foul ! 

6. They refemble waters ; and WELLS of falvation b. 
How eafy, unhampered, and free my acctfs to them ! 
How effectually, by them, Jefus purifies my confeience, 
and nouriflies my heart I refreshes all my inward powers ! 
cools my luff ! and fatiates my defire ! When I am ena- 
bled to enter into their fpirit, would I, for ten thoufand 
worlds, forfake their cold flowing waters, which come 
from another place ? 

7. They are compared to mountains, and HILLS c. 
How hard to afcend them aright! In them, how wide our 
profpe£r. of eternal things ! How they exalt us above the 
grovelling world ! and bring us to the confines of hea- 
ven ! What noble fbadows and wells of fpiritual refreih- 
ment ! What a glorious foreit, Ghrifl the tree of life, 
and his unnumbered trees of righteoufnefs growing up 
under his ihadow 1 Wh at bleflkd river of the divine Spirit, 
and his influence, that makes glad the city cf our God ! 
What pleafant and wholefome air of divine breathings! 
What rich paflure for Jefus' chofen flock, are here to be 
found ! What need, carefully to defcend From them to 
worldly concerns, left we fill, flumble, and be broken, 
fnared, and taken ! They are mountains cf myrrh, and 
hilbof frankincenfe. What fragrant, medicinal, quick- 
ening, and refreuhful truths and breathings of heaven, 
we there enjoy! But take-heed, my foul; even there 
the ferpents lurk. How oft, you corruptions, you fiends, 

4 Song i. J 2 - * Isa, lv. 1, andxii. 3« 'Soogiv. 6. Joeljii. 18, 



Of metaphors respecting gospel-ordinances* 3 2 J ' 

have I feen you ! have I felt your deadly influence, a c 
the very top ! in the higheft ordinance, and in the befl 
frame ! Bat when I felt thefe mountains drop with new 
wine, ever frefn, redeeming love ! and thefe hills flow 
with milk, of heart- warming and reftoring grace ! and 
thefe channels flow with the water of life, and the foun- 
tain come out of the houfe of the Lord, and water the 
valley of Shittim ; water my debafed, earthly, barren 
heart. 

8. They may be called the paths of Ch rift's flock a. 
In them the faints, as they have accefs, walk with plea- 
fure and progrefs towards the heavenly country. 

9, They are likened to shepherd's tents b. In their 
outward appearance they are but coarfe and defpicable. 
From place to place they are ealily removed ; they are 
only calculate for the wiidernefs of this world ; and to 

• them, ye minifters of Chrift, ought conftantly to at- 
tend. 

10. They are reprefented as the COURTS ; the HOUSE; 
the TEMPLE ; TABERNACLE ; and ALTAR of God C, 
There his glory is feen, his pre fence enjoyed, and his 
benefits conferred, through Chrift, as crucified for us ; 
and in them we offer ourfelves fpiritual facritices to him. 

it. They are called streets and broad ways d. 
At the infinite expence of Heaven, are they prepared 
for men. How carefully to be kept pure and entire! 
How beautiful and ftraight ! How ufeful to lead us to 
the pdace of the mighty King.' And what multitudes 
have free accefs to walk and trade therein ! 

12, They are reprefented as towers*. How high 
and heavenly ! How ftrong and ufeful for aflifting. the 
faints to defend themfelves againfl fin, Satan, and the 
world ! How richly furnifhed with all fpiritual ar- 
mour ! 

13. They are likened to chambers y. Here Chrift 
and his people dwell together. Here they reft, and are 
refrefhed ; here he fecures and defends them. Here he 
comes to, and is familiar with them ; manifefts himfelf, 
and makes known the fecrets of his covenant. Here 

a Song i. 8. b Ibid. c Psal. Ixxxiv. 10, and xlii; 3, 4. 

d Song iii z. « Song vijj. 10. /Song i. 4. 



£2.6 • SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

they fecretly pour out their hearts : worfhip the Lord 
of hofls j eat meat which the world knows not of 5 and 
labour not in vain in the Lord. 

14. They are called a banquetinghouse, or house 
of wine #. What rich ftores of everlafting love, and 
divine confolations, are contained in them ! And how 
oft therein, are the faints refrefhed and ravilhed with 
the fulnefs of God ! 

15. They referable rafters of fir b. How ftraight, 
comely, and felf-confiftent ! How heaven-pcintcd, per- 
manent, no nr ifhing, and refrefhful ! How ufefully and 
delightfully they fupport and connect the church, and 
eitablifn her true members, in their mod holy faith, 
and their gofpel-converfation ! 

16. They may be compared to galleries c. Are 
they not the pleafant, the magnificent, liglufome, and 
lofty means, wherein King Jefus walks, and converfes 
with his people? is held in their fpiritual embrace? 
and feafts them on his infinite fulnefs ? 

17. But the word rendered galleries and rafters, fig- 
nifies alfo watering-troughs d, to which gofpeUordi- 
nances may be compared, becaufe therein Jefus waters 
and refrefhes his followers his flock, with his water of 
life, drawn from the deeps of his everlafting love. So, 
Lord, evermore refreih my foul. 

18. They are reprefented as MARKET places at the 
Water: as places of concourse; as gates; and 
doors e. In them Jefus Hands and invites multitudes 
of linful men to receive his benefits. In them he dif- 
tributes his prepared goodnefs to the poor, fells without 
money and without price. Therein we are to wait for 
him; and by them, we -enter into fellowship with him, 
and go into the heavenly manfions. 

19. They are compared to windows and lattices^. 
By them the church is beautified, enlightened, and re- 
frefned. In them, we enjoy the light of life, which Com- 
eth from above; obtain the profpecl of fpiritual and eter- 
nal things ; and are refrtfhed with the north and foutli 
breezes of the Holy Ghoft. 

a Sung ii. 4. 6 Song i. 17. c Song vir 5. d fsa. lv. j. 

t 1'iov. i. 2i, an.J viii. 1, z, 3, 4. /Song. ji. 9.* 



Of metaphors respecting' gospel-ordinanees. 327 

20. They are compared to keys a. By a proper ufe 

of Ch rift's doctrine, difcipline, and government, the 

ehurch, nay, heaven itfelf, is minifterially opened to, or 

fiiuc againft, the fons of men. 

21 • They refemble a green and well guarded BED 5. 
Surrounded, by divine perfections, and holy angels ; at- 
tended by faithful minifters, what fafe and fweet reft 
and fellowfhip with Chrift may we have therein ! O 
how our hearts are warmed with his love ! How we 
recruit our ftrength ! and renew our youth even as the 
eagles ! hew fweetly we enjoy the fleep of God's belo- 
ved ! do eeafe from our fins, our felf-righteoufnefs, and 
worldly labour ! and are rendered fruitful to God in the? 
works of holinefs ! 

22. They are compared to a table c. To difplay 
his munificence, Jefus framed them; andfurnifhes them 
with ail the blefliags of the new covenant. With de- 
light and pleafure, he continues prefent in them, to meet 
with, fpeak to, and feaft his people with his flefh and 
blood. Truly that which is fet on it, is full of fatnefs. 
For in this mount, on this table, doth the Lord of hofts 
make for all people, faints andfinners, Jews and Gentiles* 
a feafl of fat things, full of marrow, of wines on the lees 
well refined ; Jehovah, in all his fulnefs and love j Je- 
fus, in his petfon, offices, righteoufnefs, and grace ; and 
the bleffed Spirit, in all his characters, operations, and 
influence. Lord, may this table never become our trap ; 
let never divine ordinances tend to the hardening of our 
heart. 

23. They refemble rows of Jewels on the cheek d m 
How myfterious their order, and divine their connec- 
tion ! How they adorn the church's outward form i 
and make the faint's face to fhine ! 

24. They refemble chains of gold about the neck*. 
How precious, durable, and firmly connected ! How 
clofe they adhere to, and iilucidate the fcripture ! warm, 
fupport, and protect our faith ! 

25. They refemble borders of gold, with studs of 
silver/". How precious all \ but fome more impor- 

a Matth.xvi. 19. b Song i. 16. c Song i\ u. d Song i. I0» 
<rlbid. /Song. i. n. 



328 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

tant than others ! How comely and durable ! How en- 
riching to the faints, and ornamental to the church ! 
How attended by, and productive of, well-tried, honour- 
able, and precious gifts and graces ! 

26. They are reprefented as a digging and DUNG- 
ING about fmful men a. Attended with convincing provi- 
dences and influences, they import and manifeii the moll 
aftoniihing patience, psins, and care, cf the Moll High, 
towards men; and render us iiKXCulable, if notwith- 
standing, we continue in our fpiritual barrennefs. 

27 Gofpel-truths and ordinances are reprefented as 
a trust committed to men b. How folemnly ! how di- 
vinely are they, with proper gifts attending, committed 
and entrufted to minifters and private Clinicians, that 
they may be preferved pure and entire, from generation 
to generation! And at tne peril of our honour and life* 
do we betray or lofe any of them. 

CHAP. VI. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING Cod's FAVOUR, AND 
THE SAVING BENEFITS FLOWING FROM IT. 



SECT. I. 

Of God's favour, 

j, /^OD's free favour and grace is compared to a 
VJT king c Where fin reigned unto death, it reigns 
through righteoufnefs unto eternal life by Jefus Chrift. 
With amazing glory and fovereignty, it acts ; and doth 
whatfoever it pleafeth. Every divine perfon, perfec- 
tion, purpofe, and providence, concurs to promote its 
honour. Every creature is employed to advance its 
defigns. It conquers every foe; fubdues to itfelf eve- 
ry chofen finner of mankind ; rules with abfolute do- 
minion in every faint; and receives from him a tribute 
of endlefs praife. 

a Lul;e xiii. 8, b 1 Tim. vi. 20. _ < Rom, v. 21, 



Of metaphors respecting the change of oar state. $i9 
2. It is likened to an overflowing sea or river a. O 
its height, depth, length, and breadth ! It paifeth know- 
ledge ! reaches from eternity to eternity ; from hell to 
heaven! It bears down all oppofition; wafhes away every 
ftain; covers every mountain of guilt and mifery; fpreads 
into every perfon, power, and concern, of an elecl: world. 
Bleflfed river ! boundlefs ocean ! be thou the fole fource 
of my happinefs. Let all my well fprings of promifes 
and ordinances be in thee ; and caufe every thing, whi- 
therfoever thou comeft, even my dead heart, to live. 



SECT. II. 

Of the change of our Ji ate. 

I. r I ^HE change of our (late is reprefented as Chrift's 
-*- ^seeking and finding us out b. With amazing 
love, care, and fkill, he purfues us by his word and pro- 
vidence. By his fervants, he fends forth his word that 
in various forms and expreflions fuiting every cafe, it 
may run fpeedily ; and through the Spirit, hit our par- 
ticular condition, touch our confcience, and draw our 
heart. Having thus apprehended us, he brings us to 
his prefence, inflates us in his favour, and reftores to us 
the felicity and ufefulnefs which fin had deprived us of. 
Lord, when I know not where to find myielf, do thou 
feek and find me. 

2. It is called a marriage, or espousals c. In con- 
feguence of our Redeemer's preparing himfelf for us, bjr 
undertaking our caufe, affuming our nature, clothing 
himfelf with wedding robes of finiflied righteoufnefs, 
fulfilled in our flead ; in confequence of his preparing a 
place for us, by blood and interceflion ; and of his woo- 
ing us by the word of his gofpel, rre, in the predeftinated 
moment of power, and time of love, breaks our natural 
union and affe&ion to the broken law ; to Satan and our 
corrupt incliaations ; and by his Spirit enters and dwells 
in our heart ; and enables us to accept of him, as our 
only, our everlafting hulband. As fuch, he hath UU 

a Eph iii. 1 8, 19, 6 Matth xviii. ir,— 13, $ Song UU if. 
E e 



S3 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

lowfiilp with us in bearing our guilt; in our infirmities 

and afrLclions ; our grace and exercife ; and we with him 
in his righteoufnefs, ftrerigth, honour, and work. ?7Iu- 
tually he and we dwell with, eileem, love, defire, delight 
iii, rejoice over, and man if ell our mind one to another. 
O bltifed marriage! the joy of Jefus, and of my foul ! 

3. It ib represented as an implanting or ingraft- 
ing a. In it, with the amazing patience and labour of 
God, we are cut off from the (lock of the fallen Adam; 
are clofely united to, rooted and grounded in. Chriil ; 
made partakers of his death and refurreclion ; and fo 
revive and bring forth fruit unto God. Here planted, 
my foul, thou malt baft forth thy roots as Lebanon. 

4. It is reprefented as a calling b. By Jefus' gofpel- 
invitaticn, we are therein powerfully called and drawn 
from Satan to God ; from darknefs and ignorance to 
God's marvellous light; from fin to purity and holinefs ; 
from mifery to happinefs ; from earth to heaven; in fine, 
from the fellow fnip of the law, and our lulls, to the fel- 
lowihip of God's Son. Arife, my foul, the Matter is 
come, and calleth for thee. 

5. It is reprefented as a conquest c* Finding us the 
fubjecls of the law, of Satan, the world, and our lulls, 
fdled with rage and enmity sgainil him and his people, 
Jefus, with infinite power, wifdom, and patience, attacks 
our foul with the fword of his Spirit, his word; fallens 
in us the arrows of convincing and heart-drawing influ- 
ence ; flays cur enmity, by his powerful promife and 
bleeding love: confi rains us to yield our fouls, take his 
eafy joke upon us, and confent to be his willing, af- 
feclion.Ue and obedient fubjecls. So, Lord Jefus, con- 
quer multitudes ; conquer me. 

6. It is reprefented as a liberation d. Finding us 
in a moft wretched, ihameful, and fla villi captivity, to Sa- 
tan and our fi.iful corruption, and in the unclean, un- 
wholefome, unhappy, cold, daik, difgraceful, and con- 
fining prifoii of our natural ilate ; J-:fus powerfully over- 
throws the dominion of our erflavers in us ; loofes the 
chains of our guilt, \>y the application of his all-pardon- 
ing I lov>d , breaks the fetters of our lull, ignorance, and 

a R< m yi 5. 6HebiU.it c l'sal, \W. 3,— 5. d Zech ix. 11, 12. 



Of metaphors respecting the change of our state. 331 
enmity, by the power of his grace; and beftows on lis 
the m oft glorious freedom, honour and reft. Out of 
prifon, I come to reign. 

7. It is reprefented as a DEATH a. Herein we partake 
of the influence of Jefus' death Our old man receives 
his mortal wound, of which he afterward dies daily. In 
it our hopes of happinefs by our own works, our relation 
and love to the law as a covenant, our univerfal ftudy ro 
ferve it, our fuperlative regard to linful and earthly 
things, painfully expire. So may I die, that 1 may live 
unto God. 

8 It is reprefented as a burial b. In it, we partake 
of the virtue of Jefus' death and burial ; and are con- 
formed to him. We commence God's hidden ones,whofe 
glory doth not appear; and are rendered contemptible 
and difagreeable to carnal and worldly men. Sweetly 
we reft from (in, and felf-righteoufnefs ; from the over- 
whelming terrors of the law ; of death and hell ; and 
from every fting of trouble and adverlity. So let me be 
buried with Chrift ; fo come, my foul, and fee the place 
where the Lord lay. 

9. It is called a resurrection c. Being by nature in 
the molt earthly, withered, dry, lifelefs, and lothfome 
condition, Jefus, by his Spirit of life, quickens us ; cau- 
feth us to pafs from death to life; brings us from our 
graves of condemnation and luft ; clothes us with the 
white robes of his righteoufnefs and grace; and qualifies 
us to work and walk with God, angels, and good men, 
So let a poor flee per in the duft, awake and fing. 

10. It is called a CREATION d. Unailiited by any crea- 
ture, Jefus, by his almighty power and word, forms the 
ftructure of grace, the new creature out of nothing. His 
work he commences in the forming of fpiritujl light 
and knowledge. Dailv he adds new ornaments thereto, 
till, againft the Sabbath of eternal reft, it be fully per- 
fected So, Lord, create in me a clean heart, and renew a 
right fpirit within me. 

11. It is called a RENEWING of the Holy Ghcft <?, 
Therein God forms a new creature ; makes all things 

a Gal ii. 19, 20. h Col ii. 12. c Ezek xxxvii. i,toi4. 

d £j?h iii. 10. c Tit iii 4. 2 Cor. v. j. 

E e a 



33 2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

new. He furnimes our mind with new light, thoughts 
and defigns. He imparts to our confidence, purity, pe- 
netration, foftnefs, tendernefs, activity. He beftows on 
our will, new inclinations and defires. He fets our af- 
fections on new, fpiritual, and heavenly objects. He fixes 
in our memory new treafures of divine truth and graci- 
ous experience. In fine, he gives us a new heart ; and 
make his new Spirit to dwell within us. By his grace he 
difpofes us to relifh and chufe new companions ; and to 
lead a new, holy, humble, felf-denied converfation, of 
charity and love, out of a pure confcience, and from faith 
unfeigned. 

12. It is reprefented as a second, a heavenly birth 
a. Of the incorruptible feed of his word, Jefus, our 
fpiritual Father, begets us again to a lively hope. Cu- 
rioufly and wonderfully, we are conformed to his image! 
Without our preparation or affiftance, there is formed a 
marvellous contexture of grace, a new man. We are 
made partakers of a divine and heavenly nature. By 
jiis painful for row and fuffering, by minifters, painful 
labours, and with our own painful experience, we are 
born and brought into the new, the heavenly world, of 
a new-covenant (late, and become related to God, angels, 
and faints. 

13. It is called a circumcision, not of the flelh, but 
of the hearth. Therein God, by his word and Spirit, 
fharply pricks and wounds our heart and confcience ; 
expofes to us our fpiritual nakednefs and guilt , cuts off 
the reigning power of indwelling corruption ; prevents 
our after pollution; manifefts and confirms our interefl 
in his covenant. And without it, we are expofed toend- 
lefs deftru&ion. 

14. It is called a baptism c. Therein we are graci- 
oufly received into covenant with God, and intitled to the 
privileges of his people. Therein, warned in Jefus 7 
blood, and purified by the influence of his Spirit, wc 
folemnly receive God, Father, Son, and Holy Gholt, as 
our Parent, Saviour, Sanclifier, and all in all- and cheer- 
fully dedicate ourfelves to his fc-rvice. My foul, hath 

« John iii. 3, 5. t Colli, 11. Deutxxx.,6. $ Matth. xiii, 1 1. 



Of metaphors respecting (be change of oitr state* 333 
Jefus baptized me with the holy Spirit, and with his 
fiery and fin- purifying influence? 

15. It is called a turning or conversion a. There- 
in we are divinely turned from the paths of hell to the 
ways of heaven ; from darknefs to light •, from guilt to 
righteoufnefs ; from iin to holinefs ; from fiavery to free- 
dom ; from poverty to wealth ; from rebellion and en- 
mity, to favour, acceptance, and intimate friendfhip with 
God; from diftance to nearnefs : from finful ficknefs 
and weaknefs, to fpiritual fondnefs and ilrength. So 
turn me, Lord, and I (hall be turned. 

16. It is called a translation into the kingdom of 
God's dear Son b. By his grace Jefus lays hold upon 
us ; bears as in the arms of his power and love ; carries 
us into a new covenant ftate ; where we are only fubjcft 
to him, and not to the broksn law, a raging devil, or 
reigning lufts. 

17. The work of grace in mens heart is called the 
kingdom of god c. In the day of his power, Jefus in- 
vades and enters our heart ; by his word and Spirit over- 
throws the ftrong holds of inherent corruption ; over- 
turns the reigning power of Satan and our lulls ; con- 
quers every faculty of our foul; fixes his palace and 
throne, and writes his law in our inward parts ; erects 
the judicature of a purged, enlightened, and tender con- 
fcience ; he entitles us to all his fulnefs and treafure ; 
enters us into league with his omnipotent peifeclions, 
mighty angels, and ufeful creatures on earth. Storing 
our inward powers with his divine armour, he difno- 
feth and enables us to wage war with fin, Satan and the 
world. Thrice bleiTed kingdom, confiding not in meat 
and drink ; but in righteoufnefs, peace, and joy in the 
HolyGhofl! Thrice happy and honoured, my foul, it 
this kingdom, that cannot be removed, be within me ! 

1 3. The change of family herein is called adoption 3; 
Finding us children of the devil, and heirs of wrath, Goi, 
la infinite mercy and kindnefs, puts us among his chil- 
dren of angels and faints ; and gives us an undoubted and 
everlalting title to all the privileges of fonfhip. His 
name he puts upon us ; his Spirit in us ; and his image 

a Jer, xxxi, iS, £ Col. 1. 1 3- cLuke xvi ; . 20. d Gal, iv. 5, 6* 

E e 3 



334 3ACBM) TROPOLOGY* 

on us. His angels he appoints to guard, and his mini- 
sters to infpect and inftrud us. Our prayers he hears, 
our requefts he grants, and allows us familiar boldnefs 
and intimacy with him. He tcacheth, directs, feeds, 
clothes, arms, protects, comforts, and corrects us. Ir- 
ieverfibly he bequeaths to us the everlafting, the plea- 
fant land, and goodly heritage of the hofts of nations, 
the whole fulnefs of God. O aftoniftiing ! when guilt, 
pollution, and enmity, might have juftly provoked 
his endlefs deteftation, he faid to my foul, Thou haft 
fpoken and done evil things as thou couldft ; wilt thou 
not from this time cry unto me, my Father thou art the 
guide of my youth ? When, as an infernal fiend, I re- 
turned, What have I to do with thee ? Art thou come 
to torment me before the time ? powerfully he rejoined, 
Thou sHALT call me my Father, and shalt not turn a- 
way from me. I will be to him a Father, and he shall 
be to me a fon. How could my enmity, my inward rock, 
withftand fuch melting love ! Straight all my powers 
cried out, My Father -, my Guide ; my God ; my all. 
19. Our new-covenant ftate is called a rest a. There, 
in Jefus' blood, as the means of protecting our foal, and 
appealing our confcience ; in his power, as an antidote, 
againft every fear and danger ; in his love and lovelinefs, 
as the all-fatisfying object of our defire ; in his faithful 
promife, as our infallible fecurity, for glory, honour, 
immortality, eternal life ; we reft fafe from every wrath- 
ful event and enemy. There is no condemnation to us. 
No evil can befal us, God and his creatures are in a 
covenant of peace with us. In this happy ftate too we 
reft from flavifti fervice to the broken law ; and from 
our finful fulfilment of the luft of the flefii and of the; 
mind. 



,. P 



SECT. III. 

Of the pardon ojjitt. 

ARDON of fin, which is oft put for the whole of 
our j unification, is reprefented as God's being 

€ Matth, *i. i%. *Heb.viii.!2 



Of metaphors 'respecting the pardon of sin* $35 
merciful to our unrighteoufnefs a. It is entirely of his 
free, rich, and fovereign grace and mercy, that he doth 
not avenge, but forgive our unrighteoufnefs of heart or 
life. O grace, grace unto it ! 

2. It is represented as a covering of fin b. By the 
imputation of Jefus' righteoufnefs for our robe, our 
guilt is fo hid and covered, as no more to expofe us to 
God's revenging wrath ; nor can juftly annoy our con- 
fcience with legal horror. 

3. It is called a remission or forgiveness c. There. 
in God moft fully acquits us of the charge of our crimes ; 
fecures us againft the avenging and wrathful punifliment 
thereof ; and removes every legal bar, that obftru&s our 
hope, our happinefs, or comfort. • 

4. It is reprefented as God's not remembering our 
fin d. Having pardoned it, God no more continues to 
charge or punifh it upon us ; but allows us as eminent 
frendfhip, familiarity, and fulnefs of bleffings, as if we 
never had finned. How oft, my foul, has he taken me 
into his bofom, as if I had been an innocent, an angel ! 

5. It is reprefented as his blotting out of fin e. Up- 
on the imputation of Jefus' blood to our perfon andcon- 
fcience, or finful debts, and the demands of fatisfaction 
for them, are fodropt from the book of God's judicial 
remembrance, that neither he, nor the broken law, nor 
our confcience, have the leaft remaining ground to 
charge them upon us, in order to require fatisfa&ion for 
them. 

6. It is reprefented as his calling our fins behind his 
back, or into the deeps of the fea ; and his putting and 
removing it far from us/. For when it is pardoned, 
he neither will, nor can charge it upon us ; nor fuffer 
any wrathful punifhment to come near us. Our fins are 
buried in the deeps of Jehovah's love and Jefus' blood ; 
nor ought fears of divine curfes or condemnation in the 
leaft to difmay us. Jefus hath taken away the hand- 
writing of law-charges of guilt, as well as of ceremonial 
ordinances, that was againft us, and hath nailed it to his 
crofs, from whence it can never be loofed. 

«Heb. viii. 12 b Psal. xxxii. 1. cActs v. 31. <IIsa.xliii.J5 # 

k » Fsal. H. 1, 9. /Isa.xxxviii.17, Micah. vii. 19. Psal.ciii. ia» 



3 3 6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

7. It is reprefented as a purging away of fin, through 
the fprinkling of, or wafhing us in clean water a. By the 
faving application of JeTus* infinitely pure and purify- 
in.^ blood, the legal guile of our fin iscompleately removed 
from our conscience ; and afufricient foundation laid for 
purging sway its moral filth, by the Spirit of fan&ifi- 
cation. 

8. It is reprefenud as God's making our fcarlet and 
crimfon coloured, our hideous crimes, white as mow and 
wool b. By the imputation of Jefus' blood and righte- 
cufnefs, all their terrible. appearances do, as it w T ere, c- 
vanifli ; and parity, peace, righteonfnefs, and reft, fuc- 
ceed in their room. 

9. It is compared toihe difpelling of a cloud or thick 
cloud c. Hereby, God alone removes the guilt of cur 
numerous, our innumerable, and frightful crimes ; re- 
moves the ground of our gloomy apprehenlions of his 
threatened vengeance, which by nature hangs over cur 
head ; gives us accefs to fee himfelf in mercy, and com- 
fort ; and to obtain delightful views, and well-grounded 
hopes, of the heavenly glory. 

io. It is reprefented as the giving us a white ftone, 
with a new name written on it d\ in allufion to an an- 
cient eufromof the Greeks, their voting fentences of ab- 
folution, by calling into a vefTel white (tones, whereon 
was fometimes written the name of the ptrfon abfclved. 
God gives us our fentence of pardon, in the pure, peace- 
ful, glorious, and everlafting promife of the gofpel, di- 
rectly pointed and applied to our heart. Hath God done 
fo to me ? Then let me never be merciful to any iniquity; 
let me never cover my tranfgreffions as Adam ; let me 
never forgive my wicked felf ; let me remember my evil 
ways, and be afhamed and confounded for all that I have 
done ; let my fin be ever before me. 

• Ezek. xxxvi. 25. b Isa. i. 18. c Isa. xliv. 22. 

i Rev. ii. 17. 



0/ metaphors rcfpe&lng fan&ification. 337 

SECT. IV. 
Of San&ification. 

1. CANCTIFI CATION is reprefcnted as a life a. 
& It is the immediate effed of Chrifl's living in us 
by his Spirit ; it is a myflerious, pleafant, and profitable 
mercy, maintained by the confiant, the quickening in- 
fluence of Heaven, the daily application of Jefus' flefh 
and blood. 

2. It is reprefented as God's washing us in water, 
and turifying us in fire b. By the continued applica- 
tion of Jefus' word, his blood and Spirit j and by mani- 
fold troubles, temptations, and perfections, he gradu- 
ally, fkilfully, and powerfully purges out our corrup- 
tion, till we become like gold tried in the fire , whiter 
than fnow ; without fpot, or wrinkle, or any fuch thing. 
Having thefe exceeding great and precious promifes, my 
foul, cleanfe thyfelf from all filthinefs of the fkfh and 
fpirit. 

3. It is reprefented as God's subduing our iniquities c* 
By the application of the blood of the Lamb, by the al- 
mighty Spirit, and the all-conquering word of his grace, 
applied to, and working in the heart, he gradually wea- 
kens, and puts out our inward notions of lufls, enables 
our graces to tread upon them, and occupy their room' 
in our heart, our fpeeeh, and behaviour. 



SECT. V. 

Of JelUwJhip with God* 

I. /COMFORTABLE fellowfhip and intimacy with 
Vy4 God in Chrift, is reprefented as being in his 
HOUsE, his CHAMBER, or presence d. Divinely drawn 
and admitted, we therein, with lecrecy an J fafety, en- 
joy eminent familiarity with him, are rtfrefhed and 
nourifhed with his delicate provifion ; are enabled and 
encouraged to utter all our complaints into his bofom ; 
4 Gal. ii, 20. 6 Isa.iv. 4. c Micah. vii. 19. d Song i. 4, and ii. 4. 



3*8 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and have the fecrets of his covenant and promife, and 
fometimes of his purpofe and providence, unfolded to 
our foul. O fend forth thy light and thy truth ; let 
them lead me ; let them bring me to thine holy hill; 
then will I go to God's altar, to God mine exceeding 
joy. 

2. It is reprefented as a seeing of God, a walking 
in his light, and having his countenance lifted upon us a. 
O the clear, the near, and intimate difcoveries we there 
enjoy of his perfections, promifes, relations, words, and 
works ! With what pleafure we therein behold his ex- 
cellency and brightnefs ! underftand his illucidating 
truths, and thereby make progrefs in our heavenly jour- 
ney, earning the light of our holy converfation to mine 
before others, that they may take knowledge cf us, that 
we have been with jefus. 

3. It refembles a green and well GUARDED BED b. 
O the profound reft we enjoy in the perfon, the righte- 
oufnefs, and love of Chrift ! How fweetly we ceafe from 
our linful, legal, and carnal labour, and delight ourfelves 
in the embraces, the familiar difcoveries of Godhead ! 
How complete our fafety from evil ! How familiarly 
we converfe with the Mod High ! How melting and 
fructifying are his influences to our heart ! 

4. It is called the kisses of ChriiVs mouth c. By 
his various promifes, how fweetly are his everlafting 
kindnefs, mercy, and grace, manifelted to our foul ! How 
powerfully this teftifies and allures us, that though he 
was angry, his anger is turned away, and he comforts 
us ! With what delightful influence it animates and en- 
hances our love to him ! 

5. It is compared to life d. How agile, alert, and 
aclive, it renders our foul in the work of God ! How 
plea fan t ! how myiterious and uftful ! Life, O Jefus, 
lies in thy favour ; natural life is but a death, a hell, 
without thy prefencd and love. I live, if 1 Hand fall in 
the Lord- 

6. It is likened to inebriation e. How abundantly 
we therein drink out or God's wells or falvation ! drink 

a Isa. ii. 5. Psal. iv. 6. b Song i. 16, and iii. 7, 8. 

€ Son^ i. z. d Psal. jcxje. S- ' Son^ v. 1. 



Of metaphors respecting fellowship with God* 339 
of the wine of his loving kindnefs, receiving it by fai*h 
into our heart! How effectually are we thereby encou- 
raged and fhengthened !. How f weedy our hearts for- 
get their former mifery, and our lips open in his 
praife ! - 

7. It is a CUP OF SALVATION ; A CUP RUNNING OVER tf. 
How delightful ; how refrefhing ; how ravifhing our be- 
lieving views of our redemption ! How tranfporting to 
polTefs,and,knovv my f elf a poffeflbrof that falvation which 
from eternity employed the thoughts of God to devife 
it; and which comprehends the enjoyment, the endlefs 
enjoyment of all the fulnefs of God ! 

8. It refembles an anointing b. Plentifully therein, 
the Holy Gheft bellows his grace, applies his influence, 
and renders us frefh, comely, alert, and active, in our 
fpiritual warfare and work* O to have an unction from 
the Holy One, that I may know and do all things I 

9. It is compared to a sealing c. Therein the blef- 
fed Spirit of ail grace inipreffes his image on our heart ; 
fets us afide from the world to his fervice; and confirms 
to us our hopes of everlafting falvation. Jefus fcts mc 
as a feal upon his heart, and as a feal upon his arm. 
O happy they, who, after they have believed, are thus 
fealed with the holy Spirit of promife ! 

I©. It is reprefented as a sitting under Chrift's fha~ 
dow, and Feasting on his fruit; — a supping*, together 
with his Father and him d. Protected and refreshed 
by Jefus 1 power, righteoufnefs, and love, we thereby, 
in fweet familiarity with divine perfons, with pleafure 
and joy, believe and acquiefce in the glory to God j and 
abundantly embrace the peace on earth, good-will to men, 
and rich fulnefs of grace and glory, he by his mediation 
hath purchafed and procured for us. 

11. Earned defire after this fellowfhip with Chrift j 

and the inward comfort flowing from it, are represented 

as a LOVE- sickness e. In the fir ft, what a painful pref- 

1 fure of mind ; a trouble, a finking of heart ; a burning 

defire after Chrift ; a deteftation of all worldly things, 

* Psal. cxvi. 13, and xxiii. 5. b 2 Cor. i. 2 1. 

€ Epb. i. 1 i. d Song ii. 3, 4. Rev. iii. ao. 

4 Song v. 8, and ii. 5. 



340 sacred Tropology. 

that offer a fhadowy comfort, is occafioned by his ab- 
fence ! In the laft, what a ravifhment, a tranfport, an 
inward burning of love to a Redeemer, is produced by 
his prefence ! When L deeply tafte a Saviour's love, 
when I lie balking in his warming rajs, how raviihed 
with joy ! how fick ! how overcharged with blifs ! how 
all-inflamed with love divine ! how I detefl the fweets 
of earth ! Get hence, you minifters of darkuefs, you en- 
joyments of fenfe, you polluted pleafures of fin ; my 
foul abhors your dainty meats. Get hence, thou body 
of fin and death, thou hated clog of error, guilt and cor- 
ruption. Get hence, thou mortal life, thou circle of 
repeated woes, vanities, and vexation of fpirit, where, 
finee fin and folly entered, happinefs was never feen. 
Ye flowery varieties of earth, ye fparkling glories of 
the iky, now let me ihut mine eyes on you, and open 
them on brighter ! O far brighter fccnes ? On God ! 
my God ! my joy ! my life t my lover i and my 
ALL ! How delightfully my thoughts with reafon rave 
on my loving, dying, living Lord ! Beyond creation's 
utmofl line, how faft ! how far my wifhes fly ! O how 
my heart languiflieth for the habitation, the embrace, 
the bofom, of the Moil High ! How ihe longs to be- 
hold my almighty Lover, in all his pomp of majefty, 
and bloom of beauty ! How ihe pants for the fair ori- 
ginal of all that is lovely 1 for beauty yet unknown ! 
for intellectual pleafure yet untafted ! By what almigh. 
ty 5 what enrapturing attraction he now draws my 
heart ! How Jefus' lovely form meets every thought ! 
fills every view ! Befide him, I behold nothing; beyond 
him, I defire nothing. O fweet burning thirft, to be 
quenched by nought but the unfathomed ocean of a full 
enjoyed God of love ! Is this my fickncfs ? what then 
that endlefs health above ! 



Of metaphors respecting grace as a principle* 341 
CHAP. VII. 

©F METAPHORS RESPECTING SAVING GRACE, AS INHE- 
RENT IN, AND EXERCISED Bf US. 

SECLI. 

Of grace as a general principle. 

I. HPHE inward principle of grace is called the Spi- 
•** RIT a. It is formed by, and refembles the Spi- 
rit of God. It refides in the foul, in the fpirictial powers 
of man ; and it difpofes to mind, favour, delight, and 
labour in fpiritual things, 

2. It i? called a man b 9 for its glorious dignity, its 
marvellous contexture, its eminent prudence and faga- 
city. It fpreads through our whole man, foul, body, 
and fpirit. It has what anfwers to the difiinguiihed 
parts and powers of a human body. Hope, that mount- 
ing grace, is its head as Carmel or crimfon ; fpiritual 
thoughts and good works are the hairs growing thereon. 
Faith and fpiritual knowledge are its eyes, whereby we 
fee the Son, and his invifible realities ; fee ourfelves in 
our vilenefs, and the world in its vanity, and bring 
forth tears of godly forrow T , and melting of heart : and 
ears, whereby we hear Jefus' voice, and difcern it from 
the voice of a ft ranger ; and its nofe, to fmell the favour 
of his good ointments, and fagacioufly to prefent the ap- 
proach of fpiritual foes; and to difcover the inward 
frame of our heart. Humility and felf-denial are its 
blufning and beautiful cheeks. Faith, whereby we talte 
that the Lord is gracious, handle the word of life, re- 
ceive Jefus as the gift of God, are joined to him, and 
feed upon him, as the bread of life, and nourishment of 
our foul, is its mouth, hand, and neck. Affectionate 
deiires toward God its lips and breath. Believing em- 
bracements, ardent affection and deiires, are its bofom 
and breafts. Love and companion are its belly, bowels, 

a Gal. v. 17. b Eph, iv, 24, and iii. 16. Song iv. 1,— 5, and 

vii. 1,— 5. 1. Pet. iii, 4. 

Ff 



^2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and heart*, fpiritu?l ftrength, refignation and patience, 
its back. Holy principles, and a gofpel-eonverfation, 
are its thighs, legs, and feet, See Ecok I. chap. VII. 
No. 5- It is called a new man. It was not originally 
in our heart ; all things pertaining to it are new ; a new 
heart, anew fpirit, new light, life, liberty, new love, af- 
fection, memory, and converfation. It is called the in- 
ner man of the heart ; for though it produce an outward 
holy profeflion and practice, it chiefly and formally con- 
fids in the frame, temper and difpofition of our heart, 
our understanding, conference, will, and affections. It 
is called an hidden man ; it is hid from Satan, that he can- 
not deftroy it ; from the world that they cannot under- 
ftand it ; from other faints, that they cannot certainly 
difcern it. When we walk in fpiritual darknefs, and 
are deprived of the mining of God's countenance, we 
ourfelves can fcarcely obferve it. And how fafely is it 
laid up, fealed, and fecured in Chrifl ! 

3. It is represented as an ARMED warrior a Dread- 
lefs of danger, fecure againft: death, it continually feeks 
the ruin of; and by earnefl defi re after holinefs, by 
warm oppofition of inward luft, by refinance of tempta- 
tion, and ftudy of difconformity to carnal men, it fights 
againft fin, Satan, and the world. It is armed with the 
girdle of divine truth, which applied to the heart, ren- 
ders it ftrcng and active; with the girdle of inward 
truth and fincerity of foul, which girds up the loins of 
the mind, and makes it candid and fober ;with thebreaft- 
plate of imputed righteoufnefs, which repels the horrid 
accufations of Satan, fetures from condemnation and 
death ; and of faith and love, winch render our foul 
couragous and fafe. Armed with the fhoes of gofpel- 
truth, a firm eftablifhment in the principles of which, 
qualifies to run alertly, regularly, and fearlefsly, in the 
field of fpiritual* warfare 5 with the Alining, folid, and 
impenetrable fhield of faith, efpecially of the divine 
perfections, as embraced y.nd improved by faith, to de- 
fend the whole man. and to repel and return on Satan 
himielf, the fiery, feariul, fwift, flying and dangerous 
daits of his feduction ; with the helmet of falvation, and 
a Eph. vi. 10,--- 1 8. j Thess. v. 8. 



Of metaphors respecting grace as a principle* 343 
hope thereof, to ward off deadly, ftupifying, and con- 
founding blows of temptation or trouble. Armed with 
the mail-coat, and armour of univerfal holinefs and righ- 
teoufnefs, on the right hand, and on the left, to damp 
the heart of every oppofci. : with the artillery of all 
prayer and dependence on God, and with the fword of 
the Spirit, which is the word of God, whereby our 
confcience is convinced; our corruptions wounded; 
temptations, errors, and hereues, folidly refuted and 
ruined. - 

4. It is reprefented as a divine nature, and image 
of God a. By him it is conferred on, and produced m 
us ; and by it are we conformed to him in every inimi- 
table perfection, in knowledge, wifdoai, power, holinefs, 
juitice, goodnefs, and truth ; are inclined to live on him, 
as our portion with him, as our friend, and to him as 
our latt end. O when iliall I be perfect, as my Father, 
which is in heaven, is perfect ! When fhail I be like 
him, by feeing him as he is i 

5. 1c is called an heart of flesh h. How foftened 
by the love J how readily impreffed with the word and 
providence of God ! how readily it bends under his in- 
fluence ; and religns to his fovereign will ! 

6. It is called life c. By the breathing of his word 
and Spirit, God alone forms it. How pleafant, precious, 
and honourable is it ! and how comely and active in fe,r- 
ving Gou, and in promoting oar happinefs, it renders 
our ioul ! 

7. It is called LIGHT d. To us, how myfterious and 
incompreheniible its nature ; from the Sun of rzghteoaf-* 
nefs it wholly proceeds. And how pure, penetrating .' 
how active, refreihful, enlightening, and directing to 
our foul ! What a bleffed prelude and earnelt or ever-, 
lading felicity i 

8. It is incorruptible seed e. With divine labour 
and wifdom, planted, and iown m our heart, watered 
with the rain and dew of the holy Spirit, and warmed 
with the love, the rays of the Sun of rigntcoufueis, it 
never rots, or confumes ; never gives place to linful luftj 

* 2 Pet. i, 4. b Ezek. xxxvi. 26. c i John v. 10. 

d iiph. V. 8. e 1 Jo/uiiii.9, 

F i 2 



344 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

but nourishes as corn and trees ; and though in different 
degrees, brings forth fruit unto everlafting life. 

9. It refembles a grain" of muftard-feed a. From 
the fmalleft beginnings, it grows up, til! it be exceed- 
ing flrong, vifible, and ufeful, for the feafoning and im- 
provement of providence, and for the protection of our 
foul. Blow fweetly this lefs than handful of feed, cad 
into the tops of mountains, into our rocky barren heart, 
makes with fruit ! O how the particular graces flou- 
rifh ! how the good works abound ! 

10. It refembles an HEAP OF WHEAT fet about with 
lilies b. O the excellency ; the abundance ; the variety 
of particular graces ! the purity, permanency, and fo- 
lidity thereof ! No wind of temptation, nor fan of per- 
fecution, can drive it away. What delightful nourish- 
ment to Chrift and his people! How orderly furround- 
cd with lily-like promiles, and evangelic good works ! 

11. It is compared to spikenard c. How low and 
contemptible, in the view of carnal men ! but how pre- 
cious and fragrant to Chrift and his faints ! How effec- 
tually it warms, nourimes, preferves from corruption, 
flrengthens, and refrefhes our heart ! When Jefus, our 
King is fenflbly prefent, how fweetly it fends forth the 
imell thereof, in heavenly deiire, and holy exerciie ! 

12. It may be compared to MANDRAKES d. In every 
form, how delightful, fragrant, and comely ! How pow- 
erfully it cools our indwelling luft ; our fiery perturba- 
tions of foul! heals our fpiritual maladies! attract? 
our affections to Jefus ! and renders us fruitful in good 
works ! 

13. It refembles all pleafant fruits, and chief fpices 
of camphire, calamus, faffrop, &£ e. What a flourish- 
ing, fragrant, and delightful garden of God, it renders 
our wildernefs foul ! How diverlined its various forms 
of faith, of hope, of love, repentance, humility, patience, 
resignation, and the like ! How rare, precious, and plea- 
fan t ! How effectually it cheers our heart! preferves 
from fpiritual corruption and rottennefs ! How ever- 
green, incorruptible, and growing ! How wholefome 

a Matth. >iii. 31, 32. b Song vii. 2, e Song i. 12, 

d Song vii. 13. e Song tv, 12, 13, 



Of metaphors respecting grace as a principle. 345 
and medicinal to our foul ! And do not fome particular 
graces, of faith, hope, love, like calamus, camphire, end 
myrrh, afcend on high, mount toward Jefus and heaven- 
ly things ; while repentance, ielf-denial, patience, refig- 
nation, like fpikenard and faffron, coach beneath ? 

14. It refemhles all manner of pleasant FRUITS, 
new and old, laid up at our gates for Ghrilt a\ O the 
abundance and variety of particular graces ! How con- 
itantly they receive new fupply from Jefus' fulnefs ! and 
add to their former growth ! And for his pleafure and 
honour, their whole exercife in divine ordinances, and 
manifeftation to the world, is defigned and calculate. 

15. It is compared to all the powders of the mer- 
chant or apothecary h. How diverfined and various the 
particular graces ! How rich and coftly ! purchafed by 
Jefus' blood ; compounded by his fk.il! ; and received 
cut of his fulnefs 5 how effectually they perfume our na- 
ture and work ! and render it amiable to God and his 
people ! 

16. It is compared to salt c. It is of a durable and 
purifying nature. It pricks, pains, and puts away our 
corruption. It preferves us, from becoming rotten, un- 
fa vory, and noifome in our difpolition and practice. It 
heals our foul; and teftifies our friendfuipand reconcili- 
ation with God. Be you, my heart, my fpeech, my work, 
always feafoned with it. 

17. It is compared to leaven d. However weak, and 
inconfiderable at firft, it gradually, powerfully, and of- 
ten infeniibly, conquers and transforms our whole heart 
and life, into its likenefs and image ! 

18. It is compared to a chain of gold about the 
neck e\ confining of the precious, folid, lafting, and di- 
veriineu links of knowledge, hope, humility, meeknefs, 
love, repentance, zeal, thankfulnefs, contentment, fince- 
rity, \3c. beautifully connected. It flows from, and de- 
pends on our fpiiitual neck of the proniife and word of 
God ; and furrounds, adorns, and ftrengthens the neck 
of our faith. 

19. It refembles rows of jewels on the cheek ; 

a Song vii. 13. b Song iii 6, c Mark ix 50. 4 Matth. xiii 33, 
eSons i. 10, 11, 

Ff 3 



3-0 SACSFD TROPOLOGY. 

BORDERS OF GOLD With STUDS OF SILVER a. How 
diitinguifhed the value, the purity, the adorning and en- 
riching virtue of thefe various graces ! In what comely 
order, and beautifying influence, they appear in an holy, 
humble life ! How agreeable, when tbele golden borders 
are attended with iilver gifts, and holy fruits of the 
Spirit ! 

2@. It, with its attending benefits, are like gold tried 
in the fire h. How pre cicus, pure, iiibitantiaL, fatisfy- 
ing, and durable ! No fiery oracles of heaven, no fur- 
naces of fiery troubles, can ueltroy them ; but difcover 
their diflinguiihed value. May I ever lay up this gold 
as the dull ; and as the flones of the brook. 

21. It is compared to a robe c. Skilfully it is framed 
by the power and wifdom of God. Effectually it warms, 
adorns," and protects ourheart. My foul, be thou cloth- 
ed herewith. Let it adorn my inward powers, and fiiine 
forth in my ccnverfation. 

SECT. II. 

Of particular graces, knowledge, faith, hope, love, repen- 
tance, zeal, humility* 

I. Of knowledge. 

i. QPIRITUAL knowledge is a fountain of life d, 
^ It mews us the nature of life, fpiritual and eter- 
nal, and the means of attaining it. It refines and fanc- 
tifies our natural life ; i.s the means of fpiritual ; and the 
means, beginning, and earnefl cf eternal. It teacheth 
anden^ageth ourheart to receive Jefus, therefurrecficn 
and the life, into our heart; and it is eternal life to know 
the only true God, and Jefus Chriit whom he hath 
fent. 

2. Saving knowledge and true faith refemble eye s 
and E^\Rs e* 1 hereby our fouls are adorned and beau- 
tified. Thereby we difcern the truth ; behold the per- 
il Song i. 10, n. b Row iii io. c Eph. iv 24. d Prov. xvi 22. 
t Song vii 4. ha. Iv 3. 



Of metaphors respecting faith. 947 

fon, and apprehend the work of Chrift, and his Father. 
We efpy our path of duty, avoid dangers, and obtain 
exaclnefs in our work. We attend to, and hear the 
voice of the Son, the word, the providence of God; hear, 
that our foul may live; hearken and hear, for the time 
to come ; are led out, to realize, and prepare for, an eter- 
nal it ate. 

3. They referable Doves eyes a t becaufe of their 
purity, their clearnefs, their lovelinefs, meeknefs, fingle- 
nefs ; their chafle affection to Chrift, and quick difcern- 
ing of wholefome provifion to our foul. 

4. They maybe compared to the FisH pools of Hefh- 
bon, by the gate of Bathrabbim h, becaufe of the beau- 
ty their perfpicuity, their unmoveablenefs, their abun- 
dant fupply from Jefus; the Fountain of living waters : 
and for their tendency to difcover ourfeives to us ; that 
we may thereby be induced to hearty repentance, holy 
modefty, cordial humility, and eminent felf-denial. 

5. Spiritual knowledge, prudence,and faith, refemble 
the nose c. By them we relifn the fragrancy of fpiri- 
tual things ; difcern the noi-fome nature of fin, and the 
unfavourinefs of created enjoyments./ By thefe is our 
religious appearance exceedingly beautified. By the 
exercife thereof, do our apple-like fmelling breath of 
holy defires and endeavours, mark the inward foundnefs 
of our heart. 

II. Of faith. 

1, Faith is our fpiritual mouth d. Thereby we tafte 
and fee that God is good : we receive Jefus as the food 
of our foul : we exprefs our mind to God in prayer and 
praife; and to others in holy and edifying converfe; for 
whatfoever is not of faith, is fin. 

2. It is our fpiritual teeth e ; whereby we chew the 
bread of life in holy meditations, heavenly defires, and 
aflured perforations of his being the all-fuited, the all-com- 
prehending, and unfpeakable gift of God to us. 

3 It is our fpiritual NEdcy"; which joins us to Jefus 
our glorious head , is the means of our correipondence- 

a Seng i. 15, and iv, 1, b Song vii, 4. cSbngvii, 4, 8, 

d Psal. ixxxi 10. t Song vi 6, /Song i. io t and vii 4. 



34& SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

with, and receiving nourishment from him ; fupports 
our towering grace of hope; and renders us ftateiy and 
glorious. 

4. It is our fpiritual hands and arms a ; whereby we 
receive, and embrace the all-glorious Redeemer ; hold 
him fall by his promife; work out our falvation with 
fear and trembling : war againft., and conquer our fpiri- 
tual foes; and how pleafantly it drops with the fweet- 
fmelling myrrh of Jefus' influence, when he gracioufly 
opens and draws out our heart! 

5 . It refembles a newly warned, even fliorn, and fruit- 
ful FLOCK b How felf.co'.nftent its various acts! all 
walhed in a Saviour's blood and Spirit ! ail fed in the 
palture of his word ; and bringing forth abundant fruits 
of holinefs to the honour of God ! 

6 It is like the tower of David builded for an ar- 
moury c. How inexpreffibly high, firm, and impreg- 
nable ! and ufeful to defend our fouls ; or annoy their 
foes ! How richly Aored with all the armour of God .' 
Like a tower of ivory, how felf- confident, precious, 
co:iiely, and Arong ! And like the tower of Lebanon 
louking towards Damafcus ; it, with our fpiritual know- 
ledge and prudence, chiefly watches againft, and oppofes 
our unbelief, our pride our legality, and other Syrian- 
like principal enemies of our foul. 

7. It is compared to a shilld d Depending on, and 
improving God in ChriA as our fhield, and our exceed- 
ing great reward, it turns every way, and eminently 
contributes to protect our inner man, from all tiie fiery 
darts of the devil. 

8. It is compared to gold tried in the fire e I Tow 
pure, precious, durable, and ufeful ! How tried in the 
fire of God's probatory word ! and in the fire of tempta- 
tion and trouble ! It is much more precious than gold. 
It is the purchafe of Jt fus' blood ; tiie diltinguifhed gift 
of Jehovah's hand. It adorns our foul, conforms us to 
the image ot God. Furnimeth us with fpiritual life, 
liberty, health, nourishment, and glory, from the fulnefs 
of Chrill. Nor can thieves, or any creature, deprive 
us thereof. 

a Song v. 5. b Song iv a c Song iv. 4. d Eph. vi. 16. 

e 1 Fet. i. 7. 



Of metaphors respecting bcpe. 349 

9. Faith and love refemble two towering breasts a. 
How near and comely their connection ! What mutual 
and affectionate embracers of Jefus, the beloved ! All 
night of trouble and time, he lies in their midft. What 
an abundant lburce of edification to others around! Their 
eminent growth, how fare a token of our ripenefs for 
the celeftial marriage with Chrift ! 

10. They refemble twin roes feeding among lillies h. 
What harmony, lovelinefs, and vivacity are in them ! 
What oppolition to Satan and his Terpentine feed ! What 
fad harrafToient and trouble, they, especially in a day of 
carnal fecurity, receive from thofe ! But how glorious 
and furprifing, though difficult, are their conquefts ! 
How delightfully they dwell in the heart of lily-like 
faints, and are nourished among the lillies of gofpel- 
truth I 

1 r. They referable wix^GS c. In the exercife thereof, 
by the breathing of the Holy Ghoft, we fly above this 
world, and its earthly concerns ; above the clouds of ig- 
norance, guilt, and affliction ; and afcend to Jefus, our 
exalted Saviour, and the things above. 

12. They are compared to a BREAST-PLATE d. Con- 
ftantly and eiftclualy they protect our heart from Sa- 
tan's temptation, or the hurt thereof j and from the hurt 
or horror of trouble. 

III. Of hope, 

1 . Hope refembles a head e . Supported by faith as 
a neck, it mightily tends to preferve us from finking a- 
mid waves of adveriity. It is an efpecial feat of our 
fpiritual vivacity, courage and beauty. And when live- 
ly produces an unnumbered multitude of good works. 

2. It refembles Carmel/. How heavenly its height, 
foundation, and object ! How wide its profpect of thQ 
promifed land ! and of the fea, the ocean of endlefs du- 
ration ! How noted its fragrancy and fruitfulnefs. ! 

3. It refembles crimson g. Chrift crucified is our. 
hope, the author, foundation, and object of it. Through 
his bloody death, we obtain a good hope, are begotten 

c Song viii. 10. 6 Song i. 3. e Isa \\< 30. d 1 Thess. v. %<, 
<-.'Song vii. 5. J Ibid, g Ibid, 



35° SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

through his refurre&ion to a lively hope j and to be 
with him for ever is the fum, the all, we hope for. 

4. It is an anchor fure and ftedfaft, entering into 
that within the vail a. Through well-grounded hopes 
of heaven, our feu's are fecured,that no weight cm fink 
our fpirit ; no ftorm of temptation can drive us away; no 
floods of tribulation can hurt or difmay us. Fix my 
foul, thy anc .or, thy hope, to a ftrong faith within thee; 
cafl it forth of thyielf. Fix it in Jeius, the immoveable 
rock, and the unfeen icenes of a diftant, a ceh trial world. 

5. It is compared to an HELMET £. What tignal pro- 
tection and faiety it affords our foul ! How terrible it 
renders us to our fpiritual enemies ! How bold and 
undaunted in fighting with refilling, and attacking them! 

IV. Of love. 

1. Love is compared to death and the grave c. It 
conquers our heart, and every oppofer ; renders us dead 
to our lufts, our righteoufnefs, our wifdom, our will, 
our carnal profit or honour. It diipofetn us to die for 
the honour and tdlimony of Jefus, and for the fpiritual 
interefls of his people. Like the grave, itfeperates us 
from the world, and infatiably hungers and thrifts after 
thefulnefs ofChrift. 

2. It is compared to coals of fire, that have a moil 
vehement flame ; and zeal for Chrilt is likened to aeon- 
fuming fire which eats us up d> Our love fixed on a 
known, though unfeen Redeemer, how it melts our 
heart ! inflames our defire after him ! purifies our foul 
from thedrofs of corruption! infatiably preffes after fur- 
ther fellowship and conformity with him ! Nor can 
floods of ungodly men, of perfecution, affliclion, temp- 
tation, defection, corruption, or law- terrors, quench or 
deftroy it. True zeal burns up, not thefe around us, 
with carnal contention, and angry reviling; but our own 
heart, with grief and concern that Jeius is diihonoured ; 
and with earnefl defire and endeavour to have him ex- 
alted. 

3. Love and harmony among brethren in nature, of- 
fice, cr profefiion, is like ointment and dew e> How it 

a Heb. vi. 19,20. b\ Thcvs. v.8. c Song viii.6. d Song 

viii. 6. Psai. Ixix, c, and cxix. J39. c Psal, exxxiii. 1,— 3 



Of metaphors respecting the exercise of grace, 351 
refreflies, exhilarates, beautifies, and fpiritually frudifies 
themfelvcs and others around ! 

V. Of repentance. 

I. "Repentance is reprefented as a brokenness and 
rending of heart a. How therein, the hammer of God's 
word and providence breaks it to pieces ! How the 
whole foul is preffed and painted with views of her own 
finfulnefs ! How ready to be melted with Jefus* love, 
and formed as he ple?tfeth ? 

2. It is reprefented as an acceptable sacrifice h. 
While looking on a crucifisd Gftriil, we mourn, and in his 
name requeft forgivenefs, how highly God regards our 
exercife I how readily he grants our petitions ! 

VI. Of humility. 
Humility is reprefented as an ornament and ROBE c. 
Eminently ought it to appear in our whole converfation, 
which is thereby rendered valuable, comely, and glori- 
ous, in the view of God, angels, and men. 

SECT. 111. 

Of the exercife of grace, 

I. /~\UR exercife of implanted grace is called a DY- 

V-/ ing^. Thereby our love to, our activity in the 

fervice of fin, Satan, and the world, do by virtue of Je- 

fus' death applied to our heart, and through the painful 

1 exercife of repentance, gradually Weaken abate, and 

1 ceafe. May I die to fin daily. May I through the 

1 Spirit mortify the deeds of the body. 

2. It is reprefented as a living d Proceeding from 

I God the fountain of lite, how pleafant, honourable, ac- 
tive, and ufeful is it, for advancing his glory, and onr 
and others eternal advantage ! Chrift, in his per Con and 
fulnefs, is the food we receive by faith. God is our 
dwelling. He, his angels and faints, our companions. 

a Psal. li, 17. Joel ii. 13. b Psal. Ji, 17, e 1 Pet, iii, 4, and v, S, 
d Rom, vi, 6, 7, and viii, 13, e Gal, ii, io t 



£ £ 2 SACRD TROPOLOGY. 

Holy defire, prayer, and praife, our fpiritual breath. 
Obedience to Jefus' lav/, our motion and work. 

3. It is reprefented as a calling ; an occupation ; 
Tocation ; or business a To proceed therein, we muft 
know the myfteries of the gofpel, concerning Jefus in his 
perfon, his offices, relations, benefits, and ordinances ; 
and concerning ourfelves, in our ftate, our qualities, and 
duties. We mull have a flock of imputed righteouf- 
nefs, implanted grace, and exceeding great and precious 
promifes. We muft imderftand the nature and worth 
of fpiritual and heavenly things. Daily muft we attend 
to the exercife of holinefs, as our great, our important 
work. Carefully muft we abide r.t heme, keeping our 
heart, watching over, and ordering our convevfation. 
Frequently, by felf-examination, muft we diftinctly 
ftate our bufinefs, our accounts ; and clear them by ap- 
plication of Jefus' blood. Our ftock being his, his glo- 
ry is to be intended in every thing we do. Always 
ought we to thrive in grace, and know that we do fo- 
No labour or pains are to be fpared, that we may per- 
fect, holinefs in the fear of God, Kow fignally do quick 
returns of prayer, ami eminent communications of grace, 
increafe our ftock, and animate our diligence ! And 
how rich fhall this biefled occupation render us, in our 
laft end ! Godlinefs with contentment is great gain j 
having the promifes of this life, and of that which is to 
come. Apply to it, my foul, in every branch thereof ; 
fo number thy days, that thou may ft apply thy heart 
unto wifdom, and learn God's truth , plough up the fal- 
low-ground of thy heart* accepting his rod and word for 
thy conviction and contrition, Deny thyfelf ; awake, 
fhake off* thy droufinefs and {loth ; beware of prodigal 
wafting of Jehovah's bounty; whatfoever things are 
needful, are lovely, and of good report buv, freely and 
deliberately receive, out of the fulnefs of Chrift ; and to- 
gether with God, work out thy falvation with fear and 
trembling. 

4. It is reprefented as a walk or journey h. With 
hope and earned defire to obtain the better country, we 
therein chufe Jefus and his law for our way, and with 
a John vj, 16, Phil. ii } i$ t b Col, ii, 6, Rom. vjii, 14, 



Of metaphors respecting the exercise of grace. 353 
pleafure proceed from one degree of grace, or set. of ho- 
linefs, to another, till at length we appear before God in 
the heavenly Zion. It is a walking in Chrift, a practical 
abiding and increafing improvement of his perfon, right- 
teoufnefs, and fulnefs : it is a walking after the Spieit; 
directed and influenced by the Holy Ghoft: it is a walk- 
ing with God ; beholding, loving, trufting in, receiving 
all from, and relling fatisfied in him. It is a walking, 
humbly and mournfully with him, in the faith of his 
prefence with us, as our God, our Father, our Friend, 
and our Guide; daily lothing, arid mourning over our 
corruptions and offences done to him. It is a walking 
before him ; with reverence of, and as in bis immediate 
prefence, and in hope of direction and reward from him. 
It is a walking in his name, as his fervanta, influenced 
by his power and promife, directed by his law, and in- 
tended to his honour. It is an upright walk, our pur- 
pcfe and practice uniformly concurring to advance the 
glory of God. It is a walking- circumfp;cYiy, redeeming 
the time ; attending to every circumftance of cur prac- 
tice, that we may regulate it, by the divine law; that 
we may value time as a precious jewel and under a deep 
feufe of former linfuineis and floth, exert our whole care 
and might to improve our prefent opportunities, to the 
glory of God. It is a walking with the wife ; making 
thefewho are taught of God our patterns and companions, 
in every good word and work. 

5. It is called a race fet before us a. In the word of 
God, is the way, the troubles attending, the method of 
courfs, the pattern, and pr.z?, fet before us. The race 
plot, is this prefent world ; the prize, the heavenly glo- 
ry ; the path, Jefus and his law. Supported by and look- 
ing to him, as our forerunner and pattern, we muft la- 
bour and fu.ffer for him ; and with agiiity, readinefs, 
cheerfulnefs. vigour, and patience, preis forward, from 
one degree of grace to another, till we become perfect, 
as our Father which is in heaven is perfect. 

6. It is called a going up through the wilderrefs, 
leaning on the beloved b. Finding no reft, eafe, or fa- 
tisfaction, in this defert world, or in the bare bewilder. 

a Ileb. xii. i, 2. b Song viii. 5. 

Gr g 



354 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

ing ftate of fin, or condition of estrangement from God, 
we turn away our defire, our delight, and expectation 
therefrom ; and in a Hate of union to, exercife of inti- 
macy with, and dependence on Jefus' perfon, righteouf- 
nefs, and ftrength, walk in him, and his word, as our 
way ; and with afliduous labour, vigour, and prudence, 
funnount every towering impediment of ignorance, un- 
belief, of temptation, perfecution, defertion, of terror and 
guilt, following: en to know the Lord, till we are fet 
down on his right hand. 

7. It is reprefented as a lusting and warfare againft 
the flcih a. In it our new man of inward grace, like a 
itrong and active fpirit, wills, chufes, and follows after, 
the things tending to the deft ruction of (in. Therein is 
our whole man, foul, body, and fpirit, with (kill, cou- 
rage, patience, and perfeverance, to oppofe, fight againfr, 
and by all poffible means, feek the deftru&ion of lufl ; 
to fight againil Satan, refining and labouring to overcome 
his temptations ; to fight Fgainft the world, trampling on 
its' alluring enticements, defpifing its frowns, oppofing 
its wicked errors, and abominable practices; and againil 
multitudes of afflictions, patiently enduring them. It is 
a good fight. It is for the good caufe of Gcd and truth ; 
under a good captain, Jefus Chrift; is to be performed 
in a good method, according to the law of Gcd, with the 
good armour of God, and in the gocd and well grounded 
hope of a good victory and fpoil, an inefiimable crown 
of glory, life, snd righteoufnefs. It is a fight of faith, 
fought to maintain the doctrine of faith once delivered 
to the faints ; and by the grace of faith, is Handing and 
Victory therein fignally obtained. 

8. It is reprefented as a keeper and exalter of a 
nation b. What a bit (Fed means of preferving from fin 
and danger, are wifdom and knowledge; real rtligion and 
righteoufnefs ! How glorioufly they exalt the characters 
of perfons ! increafe and eftablifh their profperity and 
happineis ! 

9. It is compared to the growth of perfons, herbs, 
and trees c. Notwithstanding of frequent ficknefs, and 

rGuI.V'7. Ej:li. vi 10, 19. 2 Tim. iv S. b Piov. iii 6, and xiv 34. 

*E')h, iv 15. Jlos. xiv 5, 7, 



Oj metaphors rcfpetting the exsrclfe cf grace. 355 
of fad blafts of temptation, and froft-like prevalency of 
indwelling luff, the daily application of Jefus, as our 
bread of life, and of the watering and warming influence 
of his Spirit and love, make holiuefs in heart and life 
pleafantly and infeniibly to revive and incrcafe, till we 
be ripe for everlaiting glory, having attained the mea- 
fure of the ftature of the fulnefs of Chrift. 

10. True godlinefs is called the fear of the Lord a. 
With a reverential fear of, and love to him, are all its 
exercifes and bleffings attended. And truly this is the 
beginning of wifdom ; a beginning to choofe the better 
part, never to be taken away. 

11. It is called wisdom b. Hereby we chufe the belt 
friend, companion, hufband, and portion; difcern the 
things that differ ; follow after righteoufnefs, peace, cha- 
rity •, and run in the way of God's commandments. And 
by improving Jefus Chrift, as our righteoufnefs and 
ftrength, take a proper method to perform eofpel-holi- 
nefs, and obtain the divine acceptance thereof. 

12. The path of thejuft is reprefented as a shining 
light, mining more and more unto the perfect day c. 
From fmall beginnings, their knowledge, their holmefs 
and comfort gradually, myiterioufly, and pleafantly in- 
creafe, till fwallowed up in the nood-tide brightnefs of 
eternal glory. Nor can any cloud overtake them, which 
fhallnotce quickly removed. Surely then their path is 
pleafanc, plain, clearly laid down in God's word, and 
without thefe fuares and (tumbling-blocks which lie in 
the way of the wicked. Surely this is a way above, 
wherein heavenly things are chiefly attended to. A 
way of life, marking life fpiritual, preparing for the 
Sternal. 

13. Holy exercifes refemble lilies d. Numbers of 
them fpring from one root or principle of faith, How 
pure! comely! high! and heaven-bending ! the better 
they are, the more humility and f elf-denial are mixed 
therewith. 

14. Holy exercifes, real religion, and true wifdom, are 
a TREE OF life e. They fhew a heart quickened by 

a Psal. cxi 10. b Pro", ii 2. cProviviS. 
d Song vii 2. e Prov iii 18, and iv 13. 

G g 2 



3$6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

the fpirit of God ; and do bring forth the good fruits of 
fpirituallivelinefs here, and of life eterjial, hereafter. 

15. Holy exercifes are called the green fruits of the 
valley ; and the buds or fruits of the faints, thefe trees 
of righteoufnefs a. In confequence of our implantation 
into Chrilt, and union with him, they gradually, one af- 
ter another, appear in our life, and are but imperfect 
while we continue on earth. 

16. Holinefs of life is called a sowing in righteouf- 
nefs ; a sowing in tears; and to the Spirit 5. In prac- 
tifi-ng thereof, we, in the folid hope of eternal glory, care- 
fully work righteoufnefs; amidft grief und forrow, we 
follow the dictates and operation of the Holy Ghoft ; acl: 
influenced by, and to the advantage of our new nature. 
And O what mercy, joy, and immortal happinefs, we 
ihall reap in the final, the eternal harveft! 

17. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life c. How 
refreihing its influence ! What endlefs glory! what im- 
mortal life will it break forth in at laft ! From thee, O 
fountain of living waters, is my life, my fruit, found. 

18. Wifdom, or real religion, is reprefented as an or- 
nament ; and righteoufnefs as brightness d. How pre- 
cious in itfelf ! how dearly purchafed with Jefus' blood! 
How notably it adorns our nature and life ! makes our 
face and converfation to ihiue ! and will ifTue in the 
brightnefs of everlafting glory ! 

19. Experimental knowledge of real religion is like 
Honey and the HONEY- comb e. How fweet and ravifh- 
ing ! Nor can any know the excellency thereof, with- 
out tafting it ; ftrangers do not intermeddle with the 
faints joy. 

20. True religion is compared to silver, and an kid 
TREASURE f. How comely, precious, and enriching ! 
How unknown to moil of mankind! With what diligence 
it is to be fought for! With what joy the finding theieof 
fills our foul, and iffues in! 

21. Prayer is reprefented as meditation ; SUPPLICA- 
TION; intercession; crying ^; to denote the folid 

«Songvin. 6 Prov. >:i I 18. c Prov xiv 26. </ Isa, lxii. 1. 

t Prov. iii. )j,»" iG. /Prov. ii 4, g P»al. iv f; 1 Tim. ii. 1. 



Of metaphors respecting the exercise of grace. 25 J 
judgment, deep humility, familiarity, and earneilnefs, 
therein to be exercifed. 

22. It is reprefented as a pouring out the heart ; lift- 
ing up the foul to God ; breathing and panting for him 
a; to denote the inward fervency proper therein. 

23 It, with fome other religious worfhip, is called a 
flanding, a kneeling, a bowing, a falling down before the 
Lord b; in allufion to the geftures therein ufed; and to 
denote the reverence- proper to attend it. 

24. Praifing of God is reprefented by shouting ; and 
by sounding or playing on muiical inflruments c; in 
allufion to the fervice of the Jewiih temple ; and to 
mark the folemn fweetnefs and joy of heart included in 
this exercife. 

25. Humiliation for fin is reprefented as a putting on 
sackcloth; as an abhorring of one's SELF; a lying, 
or rolling one's ielf in the dust ; a putting our mouth 
in the dust d; to denote the fname, the fenfe of un- 
worthinefs, the fear and blufhing before God included 
therein. 

26. Beneficence to others is called a watering them ; 
a scattering; a casting bread upon the waters e; 
to mark, how it refrefhes and nourishes the poor object; 
how liberally, and without profpect of requital, it is to 
be exercifed. 



CHAP. VIII. 

•F METAPHORS RESPECTING SIN, ITS STATE, COURs*^ 
KINDS, TEMPTATIONS. 

SECT. I. 

Of fin in general, or as inherent. 

1. HPHE indwelling fi-i of our nature is compared to a 

X king and master/! With great force and au- 

« Psal. Ixii &, and xxy 1. Lam. Hi. 56. h Psal xcv6, and cxxxiv r. 
« Isa. xii.6. Psal. cl, d Joel i. 13. Jobxlii.tf. Lani iii. 29* 

s Prov. xi. 24, 25. JSccl. xi, 1. / Rom. v. 21, 

Gg 3 



35$ SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

thority, it rules in, and over the wicked. Their heart i 
its palace and throne; devils, wicked men, and wordly 
things, are its armies and guard ; every method of oppo- 
fition to God is its law. By an amazing, powerful, and 
con ft ant urgency, it mightily compels its unregenerate 
fubjecls to do whatever it lifleth, however vile, or fla- 
viih ; nor can any created power fubdue and conquer it. 

2. It is compared to a warrior a. Armed with the 
curfe of the- broken law, delivering us up to fpiritual 
death, it, with the utmoft fubtlety, averfation, oppofition, 
enmity, and violent rage, fights againit God, his Son, 
his Spirit, his word, and grace ; and with refUefs violence 
and crafty ft'ratagems, alway exerts its influence, to fub- 
due our whole man into an entire flavery to itfelf. 

3. It is compared to a man^ It fpreads through every 
part of our foul and body ; fills our heart with all un- 
righteoufnefs, pride, debate, deceit, malignity, high, 
vain, and vile imaginations and affections ; it fills our 
mouth with curfing and bitternefs ; renders our ears open 
to error and filthinefs 5 our eyes apt to behold vanity, 
lifted up, and full of adultery; our hands apt to perpe- 
trate evil ; and our feet fwift to fhed blood. It is an old 
man. It is in us from cur conception ; and is alway pre- 
exiftent to our grace. However crafty, peevifh, and 
proud ; yet in the faints, it is in a weakened and lan- 
guishing condition. 

4. Indwelling lulls may be called our mother's 
children e. By our mother we are conceived and born 
therein. No origin or allowance have they from God 
our heavenly Father. Ah, how they grow up with us 
from our birth! What a curfed intimacy is between them 
and our foul ! Ah, how they rencer us t^e keepers of the 
vineyards ! entangle or force us into the moll bafe and 
fervile courfes, to the neglect of our own heart, practice, 
office, or intereft ! 

5. It is reprefented as a witness or written testi- 
mony^. How deeply it is engraven on oar heart ! how 
irrefragably its reign there, and our habitual voluntary 
con million of actual tranfgrellions, ted ify before God, 

* Rom. vii. aj. 6Eoh.iv2z. c Seng i 6, 

A Jer. stv 7, and xyii. 1. 



Of metaphors respecting sin in general. 359 

and our awakened conference, that we are unregenerate 
enemies to our Maker ! children of Satan ! incapable 
to recover ourfelves ! unripe for heaven! rich defer- 
vants, and infeoiFed heirs of endlefs woe ! — and tellify, 
that God is righteous in correcting and punifhing us I 

6. It is reprefented as an uncommon deceivers. It 
deceives, and renders deceitful all mankind; renders 
our heart deceitful above all things, and defperately 
wicked ; renders it more deceiving to us, than Satan 
himfelf, It promifes pleafure and profit in offending 
God ; and makes us imagine we enjoy them, while we 
are con fumed by it ; and that wc procure wealth, while 
we lofe our foul, and every thing good or uieful, and 
pierce ourfelves through with many forrows. How oft 
it perfuades us that we obtain liberty, while we en (lave 
ourfelves into the crueleft bondage ! that we are men 
of wifdom, while we wax blind and ignorant ! that we 
make religion our great bufinefs, while we wallow in 
fin, heartily loathing, and deteiting every thing good I 
that inward wickednefs is of fmall account ! that fin may 
be repented of, and turned from, at pleafure ! — How oft 
it hurries us, from one extreme to another ! How 
ftrangely it adorns the vileft abominations with fpecious 
names, fair pretences, and honourable appearances ; and 
makes them pafs for duties and virtues ! How oft it 
employs us in attempting to deceive God, and compaf- 
fing him about with lies, in our profeflion, our prayer, 
our praife and other religious exercife ! How effectual- 
ly it renders us deceivers of ourfelves ; the wicked to 
their everlafting ruin ; and the faints, notwithfianding of 
faving illumination, folcmn refolution,and drawing love, 
to a woful perverting of their way, difhonouring their 
God, and wounding their foul ! 

7» It is compared to a thief b. How it robbed all 
mankind in Adam of their honour and happinefs I How 
craftily it (teals away our time, our opportunity, our 
concern for eternal happinefs ! How infenfibly, or vio- 
lently, it robs us of our peace, honour, riches, and reft] 
Ah ' how it carries us out of God's way ] wounds our 
foul ! binds us hand and foot ! and renders us incapable 
4 He'b, iii. 13. Jer* xvii. 9. b Luke x# 30. 



360 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

to purfue after it, raife an outcry againft it, or cry to 
God, for jail vengeance on it ! It is the common im- 
poverifher and murderer of mankind, and the terror of 
every faint, who, polIetTed of fpiritual treafure, defires 
in all things to live honeitly. How numerous the falfe 
names of virtue, it affumes ! and in the night of igno- 
rance, of delation, temptation, defertion, how effectu- 
ally it attempts and iucceeds, in its unhallowed and 
fhameful work J 

8. It is compared to a WHORE a. Ah ! how cunning- 
ly it entices and leads us from God, to comply with our 
lulls ! how it conceives and brings forth actual crimes ! 
and fo conceives and brings forth our enhanced ruin. 
Curfed be (he, in her baiket, and in her ftore,'and in the 
fruit of her womb. BlelTed be he, who takes her little 
one?, her fir ft motions, and dafhes them to pieces. 
May iniquity, in every form, ftop her mouth ; hide 
herfelf as afhamed ; may her partifans flop their mouth ; 
and with grief and bluihing confefs themfelves guilty 
before God. 

9 Sin is compared to an evil-doer, nailed to, and 
crucified on a crofs b. In the faints, not only God, but 
the man himfelf, condemn it ; and take vengeance upon 
it for its murderous, its thieviih crimes: and through 
the death of Jefus applied to our heart, it is, in a fhame- 
ful, lingering, and painful manner, condemned and mor- 
tified : nor mall it ever fave itfelf, and come down from 
this crofs : it ihall die, and not live, for the mouth of 
the Lord hath fpoken it. Snamtlefs robber, wicked 
murderer of my God, why have my heart- itrings fo long 
lapped thee round ! why have I fo long attempted to 
hide, and protect thy guilty head ! 

10. It is called a body of death a O the variety 
of lulls therein marvelloufly compacted ; and mutually 
fubordinate to the fupport and tendency of one another ! 
Alas, what curfed members of atheifm, pride, envy, 
malice, unbelief, ignorance, legality, covetoufnefs, lafci- 
vioufnefs, intemperance, are comprehended therein! Ah! 
what a noifomc and infectious fyfiem of death in itfelf ! 
How it renders us fpiiitually dead ! andexpofes us to 
4 James i, 13, r.f. * Horn. vi. 6. $ Rom. vi>. 24. 



Of metaphors respecting sin in general. 361 

temporal and eternal death ! Wretched man, that I am, 
who fhali deliver me from it ! 

11. Indwelling lulls are foxes that fpoil the vines of 
Jefus* church and people a- How feeretly they lodge! 
how connected with earthly things ! how noted their 
craft and deceit ! the crookednefs of their paths ! their 
defperate ftubbornnefs under trouble and conviction ! 
their friendihip with the old ferpent, and his feed ! Ah, 
how filthy, noifome, and abominable ! how readily they 
pretend to be graces, virtues, or innocent things ! how 
infatiably voracious ! how unwearied ly fet upon mif- 
chit-f! how hurtful to faints, chiefly weak ones, and 
their tender graces ; by attempting to unfettle, or root 
them out; or by depriving them of their fap ! Ah] 
how they peel God's choice vine ! flrip his trees of 
righteoufnefs ! tread them down I gnaw off their blof- 
foms of holinefs ! and mar them with earthly cares ! 
Lord Jefus, take for me, thefe foxes, even the little 
foxes ; hunt them out, with thy good Spirit : ftarve 
them in their dwellings; let me make no provision for 
the fleih, to fulfil the lulls thereof. Catch them in the 
trap of thy promife ; hide thy word in my heart, that 
I may not iin againit thee. Deluge my foul, their hor- 
rid den, with a plentiful application of thy blood and 
grace, inflame ray heart with thy love: on thefe foxes 
caft burning coals, and indignation ftrong: perfecute 
and deftroy them from under thefe heavens ; thy curfe 
unto them, 

12' Sin is called witchcraft b. In what fearful 
league With Satan, it enters and fixes our foul, and en- 
tices us to worfhip him ! With what infernal influence 
and envy, it deceives, wades., and ruins our whole man ! 
When convinced of our wickedntfs, and danger how 
unable and unwilling it renders us to efcape ! How 
effectually it excites and teacheth heretics, to fubvert our 
fouls, and feduce us from the truth ! 

13. It is called rebellion c. How oppofite to the 

law, and authority of God, our rightful Sovereign, and 

•our folemn vows to be his ! What fearfui diforder it 

makes in the world ! What a daring attempt to dethrone 

a Song ii. 1 j. b Gal. Hi. 1. e 1 S«m. xv. 23. 



362 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

the Almighty J to put down his laws and dominion ! to 
deprive him and his chofen friends of their life ! and to 
fet up its own, and the throne, laws, and government, 
of Satan ! Ah ! vile rebellion, as the fin of witchcraft I 
But,0 Jefus, who receiveclft gifts for men, even for the 
rebellious, that God the Lord might dwell among them, 
why mould my fou] continue to rebel againft thee, my 
Saviour ! to commit high treafonagainft my-God ! Why 
expofe herfelf to endlefs wo? Shall neither mercies melt, 
nor terrors awe? Why mould I revolt from under thy 
yoke ! O forgive me, for I know not what I do. 

14. It is called a wandering and STRAYING from 
God a. Thereby We lofe our firft eftate ; go out of our 
proper way; do, we know not what, or why; go, we 
know not wither; turn our back on the Moil High j 
lofe his favour, prefence, and bleffing. Ah ! to what 
inexprefiible danger, we are expofed ! How ready to 
hearken to falfe guides ! How hard, nay impofiible for 
us, to return to God, of our own accord ! Lord, bring 
me back from Baman hill, and from the deeps of the 
fea! 

15. It is called whoredom h. Thereby we break our 
covenant-marriage with God; admit Satan, the world, 
and our lufts, into his room ; by whom we conceive and 
bring forth the infernal progeny of finful defires, and 
wicked courfes. How bale and lhameful in its nature ! 
Ah, how it takes away, hardens, and {lupines our heart, 
making us refufe to be aihamed, when we commit abo- 
mination ! What wretched pleafure we tske therein, 
while our ilrength is thereby infenfibly walled! and we 
expefed to poverty, infamy, and endlefs death! 

16. Indwelling tin is called LUSTS c. What a variety 
of finful inclinations anddifpofitions, are therein compre- 
hended ! How refllefsly and unweariedly it choofes ! 
how violently, unreafonably and fecretly, itpufhethus 
into the moil finful and lhameful a£ts ! In the faints, 
how it lufteth and warreth againil the grra.ee of GoJ ! 
In otheis, how eft it renders them like fed horfes, dogs, 
or fvvine, with the impetuous violence of flelhly lull I 

a Psal iviu 3. It Jer. Hi, I. c James iv. I. 



Of metaphors respecting sin in genera!. 363 

When it fpeaketh fair, believe it not; there are feven 
abominations therein 

17. It is called a law of sin in our members a. O 
its power and authority over us ! How it obliges and 
force th us to ftudy conformity to its dictates, and to ful- 
fil its lufts, employing the powers of our foul, to com- 
mit iinful acts ! O were I fully dead to this law that I 
might live unto God ! When I would do gcod, how 
fadly is evil prefent with me ! 

18. Sin is called iniqjjity or unrighteousness h. It 
is the very rcverfe of the righteous nature, and holy and 
juft law of God. It is an univerfu robbery and fraud ; 
thereby we rob God of his due honour, love, obedience, 
and regard ; ourfelves of our holinefs, and felicity, and 
of every proper means to regain it j our neighbour, of 
all true love, eftesm, and regard ; and the very creation 
of its proper eafe, ufe, and honour. 

19. Sin is called wickedness and enmity c. Ah ! 
the inveterate, unreafonable, and fixed malice againft 
God, and the welfare of creation, therein contained ! Nor 
can it be transformed into any other fhape. Lord, though 
enmity cannot be changed, yet flay it, and change my 
heart ! Ah ! is hatred my return for thy redeeming 
love ! Why, my foul, art thou proud ! art thou at eafe ! 
Enmity againft God js all thou can ft frrictly call thine 
own ! Lord, long, my fin, thou haft dwelt too near my 
heart ; hence to eternal dijftance flee 1 

20. It is called uncleannESs ; an abominable THING ; 
an abomination ; an horrible thing cL It is the very 
reverfe of the beauty, comelinefs, and purity of God; it 
is the murderer of Jefus Chrift ; it defiles every thing- 
it touches ; renders the plowing and prayer of the wick- 
ed an abomination ; it fpreads through our whole man ; 
renders our perfon, heart, and practice, ugly and noi- 
fome to God, that, in our natural Hate, he cannot look 
towards us without the utmoit abhorrence ? nor can his 
angels or faints delight in, or behold us with pleafure. 
Direful moniler, may I never look upon thee, without 
debellation and horror ! Far may I flee from thy pre- 

« Rom. vii. 23. b Rom. vi r). c Zech. v S. 

Roar, viii 7. J Zech. xiii 1. J-i. xKv. i. 



364 SACRED TROPOLOGY 

fence, and lo the myfelf for thy Cke ! O the omnipotent 
virtue of that blood which cleanfeth from all fin ! that 
can waili the Ethiopian into comelinefs ! the lothiome, 
the worfe than wallowing fow, into purity ! 

21. It is reprefented as folly and madness a How 
ftupid and unteachable ! How unreafonable, cruel, and 
mifchievous to ourfelves and others, it renders us ! By- 
it we reject God the chief good ; rage againft the Al- 
mighty ; preiumptuoufly rtifli on his neck and upon 
the chief Defies of his buckler How effectually it iranf- 
forms us into proud and prating fools ! Ah, how defti- 
tute of delight in wifdom ! it is too high for, and hated 
by us, How we defpife a God, a Father's inftruction! 
How Chrift cruc fled, the power ofGod, and the wifdom 
of God, and every fpirirual thing, are foolifhnefs to us! 
neither can we by nature know them ; for they are fpi- 
ritually difcerned ; fo fail is folly bound up in our heart, 
that even rods of manifold correction drive it not far a- 
way. Our heart is at our left hand, fet upon earthly 
and finful objects ; its proper resolutions are faint, and 
ill put in practice. Its eyes, its thoughts, and defires, 
are in the ends of the earth, fet upon vanity, or things 
We have no concerns with. Though deceitful above all 
things, how fondly we truft it ! Alas, how we hate re- 
proof ! how we rage and are confident, in proceeding from 
evil to worie ! How right in our eyes is our evil way! 
what a foort to many, to do mifchief ! What anger a- 
gainft God, againft a gracious Saviour, and bleflcti Spirit, 
againft our neighbour, refteth in our bofom ! is with 
pleafure and delight, lodged and entertained in our heart! 
What outrageous wrath and paffion, heavier than the 
fand, is oft roufed in our breaft ! In the multitude of 
our words, how manifeft our folly ! In our mouth, 
how unfeemly are parables and excellent fpeech ! How 
unconcernedly uttered ! and how inconfiftent with our 
practice ! in our mouth what a rod of proud boafting, 
•xnd arrogant calumny ! flow readily our lips enter 
into contention, meddling with ltrife, with vain jangling, 
and idle difputes not pertaining to us ! Alas ! how oft 
our mouth feeds upon, takes pleafure in, and in the 
a PiaJ, xlix, 13, and b.xiii, it),--~3'f EccI, ix 3. 



Of metaphors respecting sin in general, $6$ 

molt plentiful manner pours forth, and proclaims foolilh- 
nefs, vain, empty trifles ! How wickedly it uttereth 
{lander ; caiteth abroad arrows and death in bitter 
words ; and faith, Ami not in fport ? Ah ! how oft 
the inilruclion given by our lips and our life is but ab- 
furd folly .' How oft is our mouth the means of de« 
flruclion to ourfelves and others ! How oft we anfwer 
a matter to God, or to men, before we hear, confider, 
or underftand it ! By our prating, how oft we fall into 
fnares ! What a perverting of our way is our whole 
practice! What a mad running to the correction of 
ilocks ! How then, can honour be feemly for, or God 
take pleafure in us ! How oft we die for want of wif- 
dom ! and have manae given us for our promotion! How 
oft our profperity hardens and tends to deitroy us! How 
rarely do hundreds of ftripes make any proper impref- 
fion upon us ! Nor, though brayed in a mortar of ad- 
verfity, does our foolimnefs depart from us ; Alas, what 
an heavinefs ! what a grief ! what a calamity ! what 
waiters ! what banifhers, it oft makes us to our natural 
parents ! our'churches, our families ! and chiefly to our 
God, and his faithful pallors fet over us ! 

22. It is reprefented as sloth or sluggishness a. It 
makes us delight in Handing all the day idle. It ren- 
ders us averfe to act for our fouls , for the glory of God, 
or good of our neighbour. Lord, how fluggifh ! how 
inactive, to poffefs the promifed land, is my foul ! What 
thorny hedges of difficulty, and bears and lions of una- 
voidable danger, do I oft imagine in the molt clear, plain, 
and fafe paths of duty ! How oft hide I my hand in my 
bofom, and refule to put it to my mouth, with the all- 
nounlhing bread of life ! How oft my empty delires 
kill and ilarve me ! I defire, and have not, becaufe my 
hands refufe to labour. Nest to nothing have I to roft, 
which I took in hunting ; fliallnot then my llethful foul 
fuffer hunger ? Shall not my flothfulnefs call me into 
a deep ileep ? Shall not the building of my grace, pro- 
feffion, or pra&ice, decay and drop through ? Shall not 
the vineyard of my heart and converfation be overgrown 
with thorns of iniquities, and nettles cover the face 
<*Prov. vi. 6, — ii, 
Hh 



$66 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

thereof; and the '{tone-wall of vigilance be broken 
down ? Shall not my floth lay me under the bafeft flavery 
and tribute ; and drowfinefs cover me with rags ? Go 
to the ant, thou fluggilh foul, confider her ways, and be 
wife ; gather thy meat in the fummer, and prepare thj 
food in the harveft, that thou flarve not in the eternal 
flate. Plough up thy fallow-ground, that thou be not 
for ever wretched. Be thou no more as a fmoke to the 
eyes of the God who made, who fent the into life. Say 
no more, A little fleep, a little (lumber ; a little folding 
of the hands to fleep ; for fo fhall thy eternal poverty 
come upon thee as one that travelleth, and thy want as 
an armed man, fuddenly and irrefiftably. 

23. Indwelling fin is reprefented as a hard and stony 
heart a. It renders our foul barren, infenfible, rough, 
and impenetrable, as a rock or adamant ftone. While 
under the reigning power of it, the rain of divine ordi- 
nances, and feed of infpiiation, are loft upon, and harden 
us. Minifters who are fent to hew us with the hammer 
of God's word, and troubles, make no proper impreflion 
upon us, till Jefus break our heart with his power, and 
melt it in the fire of his Spirit and love. Lord, am 1 
fuch hell hardened Heel, that mercy will not melt me ! 
No ; overcome by bleeding love, I difiblve, I melt be- 
neath the crofs. 

24. It is called flesh b. It is of a bafe, vile, worth- 
lefs, and putrifying nature. ' It is conveyed to us with 
our body ; and is much influenced, modified, and exert- 
ed thereby* It renders us carnal and fle-fhly ; makes us 
to mind, love, think of, and chiefly care for, the things 
of the fiem ; to dwell in the flefh, under its abfolute pow- 
er and authority ; to walk after it, according to its dic- 
tates and inclinations ; and to war after it, from finful 
ends and motives, and in a carnal, malicious, and paf- 
fionate manner. 

25. Sin is called a strong hold c. How advantage- 
ous its fituation, and deep its foundation in our heart ! 
How dreadful its impenetrabltnefs ! uncleannefs ! ex- 
tent ! fleepnefs ! and height ! How numerous the deep 
pits of its entangling fnares ! How abundant its provi- 

a Ezek. xxxvi, 26. b Rom, viii, 1. c 2 Cor. x, 4. 5« 



Of metaphors respecting sin in general, 36 7 

iion for a finful life ; and its fulnefs of infernal armour ! 
How many and fecret its means of communication with 
Satan and the world! He is the governor ; our predomi- 
nant luft is the citadel ; our actual tranfgreffion the 
outworks. Lord Jefus, demolifh, it ; raze, raze it, to 
the foundation ; heap up mounts of redeeming grace, 
and take it. 

26. It, with the law-curfe attending it, is Satan's ar- 
mour a. Thereby he fights againft the divine Saviour, 
coming to refcue and deliver us. Ignorance and ftupi- 
dity are his helmet; unbelief and legality his fhield; 
pride, unconcern, obftinacy, and defpair, his breafUplate; 
enmity and error his fword. Laid fpoil him of this 
armour wherein he trufteth. 

27. It is called leaven, and old leaven b. How 
four and difagreeable in its nature to God, good angels, 
and men ! How its influences fpread into, and infects all 
our powers, and work ! The former it renders full of, 
and ready inftruments of iniquity unto iniquity, The 
latter, our ploughing and prayer not excepted, it ren- 
ders abomination to the Lord. Nor, like old leaven, is 
fin good for any thing bat to defile. 

28. It is compared to poison c. It inflames our heart 
with enmity, malice, and rage, againfl God and men. 
Quickly it infects and corrupts our whole man. It be- 
gets an infatiable thirft after iinful and carnal pleafure 
and profit. Like the poifon of afps, how effectually it 
lulls us aileep ! And however pleafant and taking at firft, 
it becomes painful and mortal atlafl. Being of itfelf con- 
trary to their new nature, it is painful to the faints. Be- 
ing agreeable to the nature of the wicked, thefe veno- 
mous beafts, it breeds them no pain, but in its confe- 
rences ; nor can it be expelled, but by the convincing, 
illuminating, and fanctifying oil, or influence of the Holy 
Gfaoft. 

29 It is compared to a lothfome vomit d* How un- 
comely, dil'agreeable, and deteftable ! How conviction 
makes us throw it up by vexation, confefiion, or true re- 
pentance ! How fhameful and wicked, by returning to 
« Luke xi. 3 j, 22. b 1 Cor, v, 7, 8. c Psal, cxl, 3. d Jer. xlviii, 16. 

Hh a 



36S SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

fins formerly paining, refolved againfl, or repented of, 
to fwallow up what was once thrown up ! 

30. It is compared to a sting a. From the old fer- 
pent, the devi|, it proceeds; and renders afflictions, 
death, and every thing in the fyftem of nature, hurtful 
and deadly to us. How infectious its poifon, fpreading 
into, and corrupting all our powers, and poifoning every 
act of enjoyment in our natural ftate ! At firft its wounds 
feel pleafant; but, in the end, how painful and torment- 
ing ! Nor without faith in the flain Redeemer, exalted 
on the pole of the gofpel, can they be healed, or the cor- 
ruption routed out. Thrice bleffed he, who fucked the 
venom of my wounds into himfelf, bearing mine ini- 
quities, that I might obtain health and cure; might have 
death, trouble, and every thing elfe unftinged to my 
foul ; and might fafely tread on dragons and ferpents of 
the pit ! 

3r. It is compared to a wound b. It is the effect of 
the bite, the fling of the old ferpent. And ah, how inve- 
terate ! how envenomed ! how deep, fpreading, and ex- 
teniive! How filthy, noifome, and infectious ! How pain- 
ful, fhameful, and deadly a wound! Alas, how it weakens 
our foul! mars and withers our beauty ! how it hinders 
our proper exercife, and pollutes all we do ! Lord, heal 
my lothfome difeafe, my painful wounds, that ftink, and 
are corrupt: my folly makes it fo. 

32. It is a plague and lothsome DrsEAsE c. It is 
the corrupt humour of our foul; and a heavy judgment 
on mankind. How myfterious in its nature and fource ! 
How quickly it overipreads our whole nature and life! 
How fhameful, naufeous, and of itfelf defperate, the dif- 
eafe ! How abominable it renders us to God and good 
men! and mars our feilowihip with them! Alas! by its 
influence, how is our foul pined away, and weakened! Our 
heart fwells with pride and felf- conceit. Our voice, our 
converfe, our prayer, our praife, is difagreeable. Our 
breath ftinks with idle and corrupt communication. Our 
bowels burn with defire after iinful pleafures, and carnal 

€ J Cor. xv, 56. b Psal, xxxviii, 5, 8, 9. 

e i Kings viii, 38. Psal, xxxviii, 7. 



Of metaphors respecting sin in general. $6g 

enjoyments. Oar inner man is dead while we live ; and 
daily cafte forth the putrid fluff of abominable a&ions ! 

33 . It is compared to sickness a. Sprung from eating 
of forbidden fruit, how it affe&s our heart j and thence 
fpreads into our whole man, and every concern! How it 
extends to our whole race, and fickens the lower part of 
the creation for our fake I How gradually it weakens our 
foul ! haftens our eternal death ! reftrains and unfits us 
for our work ! How dangerous, if long continued in ! 
When felt, how grievous to be borne! But ah i what 
multitudes lying under it, are in a perpetual rove, or 
rnoonflruck madnefs, till everlafting burnings bring them 
to their fenfes ! My foul, when I fee my ficknei's and 
my wound, call Jefus the Phyfician of value ; let him, 
by convi&ion, by effectual calling, by j unification and 
fan edification, make me whole ! Quickly may he bring 
me to that happy place, where the inhabitants fhall not 
fay, I am lick. 

34. It is reprefented«as a death b. Hereby our hap- 
py relations to God and his creatures are broken and dif- 
folved. Hereby we are rendered incapable to defire, 
think, or a£t, to any good purpofe. Hereby we lofe our 
beauty and frefhnefs. Our whole man is turned into a 
repofe and repafl of infernal vermin, of fiends and cor- 
ruptions. We forget God and our everlafting concerns 5 
are altogether lothfome and abominable; and bring forth 
fruit to eternal death. Alas ! how this death worketh 
in me ! Not often, but alway am I in it ; not a ftep be- 
twixt my foul and it ! Who mall deliver me from fo 
great a death ! Who but thee, O Jefus, who quickeneft 
the dead, and calleit things that are not, as though they 
were ! 

35. It is compared to a FIRE c- How fearfully it in- 
flames our heart with luft, with enmity, and rage againfl 
God ! How furioufly and efFe&a&ily it consumes our 
foul ! How impomble for any creature to withftand or 
quench it ! How terrible to fuch as are gracioufly awa- 
kened ! But what millions are devoured by it in their 
£eep ! How oft on earth it burns up thorns and briers 
of kicked men ! and confumes forells. whole nations, 
armies, with filming deflruction ! How it burnsthe re- 

4 Mattb, viii, ii. b Eph ii, 1. clsa. ix, i$. 

h h 3 



37^ fSACRED TROPOLOGY. 

probate world into endlefs fire ! Lord Jefus, quench it 
in me, in thoufands, with thy blood. 

36. It is compared to a cloud and thick cloud a. 
Ah, how innumerable, as the particles of a cloud, are its 
lulls and acts ! How it interpofes between us and our 
God, and our heavenly glory ! What terrible madowsof 
eleftruction it cafts over us ! How fearfully it threatens 
us with thunder-bolts, and fweeping deluges of divine 
wrath ! With you, faints, how it damps your fpirits ! 
forebodes (forms of chaft ifement ! While under the cloud, 
how oft your hearts quake wirh the voice of thunder ! 
What d&rknefs and fhadow of death are over ycur foul \ 
By thy forgiving- grace, by thy milling ravs, by the gra- 
cious wind of thine influence, do thou, Jefus, difpel the 
cloud, and give day to my inward powers. 

37. It is compared to a mountain or hill b. How 
fixed in our heart ! How dreadful its height ! How fear- 
ful and inconceivable its weight ! If it fall on us, by con- 
viction or punimment, how it d uihes and finks our foul 
toward the lowed hell ! How fearfully it interpofes be- 
tween God and us : What noxious fpirits and curfes do, 
as it were, refide therein i Almighty Saviour, once wil- 
lingly cruihed under Its weight, in mercy come leaping 
over it to my foul ; melt it down with thy love ; touch 
and wade it away by thy grace ; remove, overturn it : 
call it into the deeps of forgetfulnefs, the deeps of thy 
precious blood. O to fee thy bleeding love prevail, till 
the higheft mountains of my guilt and corruption be co- 
vered ! O for a firm faith, efTecr.u-.ally to bid this moun- 
tain remove, and be caff into the deeps of the fea ! 

3 8. It is compared to a vine c. Alas how it flourifhes 
and fpreads its brandies ! what clutters of abomination 
and mifery it produceth ! hew four> hurtful to all, difa- 
greeable to every fenfible foul, its grapes ! its actual 
tranfgreiTions ! In the iiTue, how fearfully they fet the 
teeth on edge ! fill us with anxiety and pain ! How oft 
wickednefs grows up as a tree, is had in reputation ! 
and pride buds ! But the bloffom fhall go up as dufl ; 
the fruit is unto fhameaud deiath ; the tree with its fruits, 

« la. xliv, 22. b Isa. Ixiv, rs" S- ng ii, S. 

c Esek* vjj, iGj a;)J a\ jii. 2. Jer. \xx\, xp. 



Of metaphors respecting sin in general. 37 f 

haftens us to eternal wo. Ah ! how its roots are fatten- 
ed in me, as with a band of iron and brafs ! Lord Jefus, 
lay the axe of thy word and rod thereto ! BlefTcd earth- 
quake, blefled ftorm of death, make hafie, diffolve my 
frame, tear up my fin by the root, let my wickednefs 
be broken, and cut off as a tree. 

39. It is compared to an evil treasure a. Its great 
refidence is the hidden cabinet of our heart. How care- 
fully we keep and conceal it as a fweet morfel under our 
tongue ! Ah ! how we daily live upon it ! How many 
are proud of, and reckon themfelves enriched by it ! How 
inexhauftible its fulnefs ! with what mad hatte do many 
laborioufly increafe it, adding fin to fin, till the mea- 
fure of their iniquity be full ! and treafuring up for 
themfelves, wrath againft the day of wrath, and reve- 
lation of the righteous judgment of God ! 

40. It is reprefented as a debt b. It includes our ne- 
glect of the obedience we owe to God's law ; it involves 
us in the obligation of infinite fatisfaction to his jufiice. 
The longer we continue therein, the d*bt the more in- 
creafes. And ah ! how fearfully it occafions our hatred 
of God, our creditor ! our averfion to felf-examination I 
our abhorrence, and fometimes terror, of death and judg- 
ment, our times of account ! How it expofeth us to the 
arrefl of confcience, the prifon of hell, and the endlefs 
fury of an angry God ! O awful, unbounded debt, which 
God alone can pay ! nor he, but at tne expence of his 
wealth, his blood, his life ! O his grace in forgiving me, 
his enemy, my ten thouwnd talents ! Let not me conti- 
nue in (in, becaufe grace doth abound. 

4/. Sin is called a reproach c. How clearly it ma- 
nifefts our bafe birth, that we are of our father the de- 
vil ! and our bafe heart, that it is little worth, and fet 
upon mifchief ! It exhibits us as treacherous, liars, ha- 
ters of God, murderers of ourfeives, filled with ail un- 
righteoufnefs, abominable and unc ean. It expoieth us 
to the contempt of God, angels, and men. May 1 never 
account it mine honour ! 

42. It is reprefented as a corrector and SCOURGE d> 
What ftrokes! whatlafhes of confcience and providence 

« Matth, xii;3S, b Matth, vi, 12. * Prov. siv, 24. dJer, ii, 19. 



372 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

our iniquities bring upon us ! How oft their luftful mo- 
tions harafs and difquiet us ? How oft our finfulmethods 
of relief and happinefs involve us in further trouble! 
How oft are our fins plainly marked on our judgments ! 
or we are given up to our lufts, to punim us for our 
former wickednefs ! 

43. It is represented as a weight and BURDEN; and 
perhaps as a talent of lead in an ephah a Howdread- 
ful its imprefiion ! How heavily it hangs upon finners ! 
unfits them for running their fpiritual race, or working 
out their falvaticn ! What multitudes it finks to thedeeps 
of di vine judgments, and of theloweft hell I How it crufh- 
es the hearts of perfons convinced! bruifes and breaks 
their bones, andmakes them weary of their life ! What 
an opprefiive load to the faints ! None but thee, O Jefus, 
could fuftain its weight; nor thou, without fweating, 
groaning, and dying, under its guilt ; nor can any other 
remove it from my foul ! 

44. It is compared to a bond ; BAND ; CHAIN ; Yoke b. 
Ah ! what crimes it fuppofes or includes ! what flavery 
it imports ! what punimment it forbodes ! How effec- 
tually it confines our foul, and reft rains hex from acting 
or moving in the way of holinefs ! How it binds men 
to Satan's door pofts ! fixes them in his prifon; caufeth 
them to draw in his plough ; and dig up mifchief ! Ah ! 
how many reckon thefe chains of darknefs, ignorance, 
and wo, their honour ; a chain and ornament of grace 
to their neck ! 

45. It is compared to garmfnts c. How fully the 
habits and acts of fin encompafs our whole nature and 
life ! How oft they plainly mark what, and whofe we 
are ! How they contribute to warm our inward luft ! 
How fearfully lined with the divine curfe ! How fadly 
they protect our heart from God's arrows ©f conviction; 
and prevent our penitential (name I Though our belt 
deeds be but filthy rags, how oft we take pleafure in, 
and glorj of them ! Lord Jefus, remove thefe filthy gar- 
ments, and give me change of raiment. 

46. It is computed to a spot in garments, or the like tL 

a Psal. xxxviii. 4. Zech, v. 7. b Isa. ]viii, 6. 

c Col.iii, 9. d Dcut, xxxii, s r 



Cf metaphors respecting a sinful slate, 373 

It is altogether vile and unfightly. It mars all the 
beauty of our heart, and fpoils the robes of our conver- 
fation. It defiles our bed: duties : nor can it be wafhed 
out, but by Jefus' blood and Spirit. By his mercy and 
truth applied to my foul, and his caufing me to imitate 
him therein, may my fpots be warned out : and by 
fearing him, may I depart from evil. 

47. It-is compared to the crimson and scarlet co- 
lour of wool or garments a. What horrid murder of 
our God, our Saviour, ourfelves, our neighbour, it in- 
cludes i How fait it cleaves to our nature and practice! 
How vifible and terrible to behold ! and what a block- 
ing mark of God's warfare with us j and prefage of his 
fhedding the blood of our foul ! Lord, what profit is in 
my blood, that I mould go down to the pit ! By the 
application of thine, make my deep-dyed crimes white 
as fnow ; fully forgive and purge them away. 

48. It is reprefented as filthy nakedness h. How 
mameful and odious is it to Gcd, angels, and faints ! 
What mocking impudence, to be unaihamed of it ! or 
to be carelefs of having jefus' righteoufnefs fpread over 
us, to cover it ! 

SECT. II. 

Of a Jtiful Jiate or condition* 
STATE of fin is called the gall of BITTER- 



"A s » 



rESS c. While one continues therein, no 
property is in him befides fin, that infinitely bitter 
thing. Nothing he enjoys that is not poifoned and em- 
bittered to him. To the bitternefs of divine vengeance, 
of eternal death, it expofes him. Lord, to how many 
is even bitternefs fweet ! 

2. A finful itate, ©r a condition of eftrangement from 
God, and of prevalent corruption, refembles a WILDER- 
NESS d. In it, how fad the wandering from God I how 
many the bypaths ! how eminent the dangers ! how nu- 
merous the wild beafls of evil angels and finful inclina- 

o 

« Isa. i» 18. b Isa. iii. *8. e Acts viii. 23. d Song viii. 5. 



374 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

tions ? what want of proper provinon and companions • 
how violent the ftorms of trouble ! May I go up from 
it, leaning on my Beloved ! by him alone as my guide, 
my way, can I efcape out of it. 

3. It refembles a deep and pit a. What finking fears 
and difcouragements ! what increaiing entanglement and 
perplexity ! what nearnefs to hell ! what defilement 
and defpair, abound therein ! How little water of confo- 
lation to refrefh our fainting heart ! Out of the deeps 
have I cried unto thee, O Lord. 

4. It refembles a prison b. How fhameful to be in 
it! how evidential of guilt ! how unhappy ! unhealth- 
ful; and reftriclive of liberty ! How deftitute of fpi- 
ritual warmth, reft, water, or wine of confolation ! In 
what momentary hazard are we of being brought forth 
to further fhame and trouble ! O bring my foul out of 
prifon, that I may glorify thy name. 

5. It refembles darkness c. How horrid and difa- 
greeable ! What idlenefs, perplexity, confulion, difor*- 
der, fear, and danger, attend it \ O turn my darknefs 
into light. 

6. It refembles a winter d. What clouds of gm\t 
interpofe between God and our foul! How great our 
diftance from Chrift, the Sun of righteoufnefs ! What 
mifts of darknefs and ignorance confound our mind ! To 
what florins of temptation, trouble, or wrath are we 
cxpofed ! How hard and frozen our hearts, that neither 
word nor providence of God can imprefs them ! How 
barren of every good word and work ! How deftitute 
of inward warmth of love to Jefus 1 perfon, covenant, 
caufe, ordinances or people ! How unclean, ft ippery, dif- 
ficult, and dangerous our paths ! How are both heart 
and way deluged with floods of corruption, to the mar- 
ring of our fpiritual fellowlhip with God, and withfone 
another ! How unnouriihing and ur.fighrly our whole 
appearance ! O my foul, is this winter pift, and the rain 
over and gone ! 

7. It refembles death and the grave e. Alas, how 
it fepr.rates us from our true frieiids ! How unfightly it 

4 Psal. xl. z, and exxx. I, Zrch. ix II. b I*a. Ixi. 1. 

< • Eph v. S. d Song 11, 11. <r Eph. ji. 1, 5. 






Of metaphors respecting a stated course of sin. 375 
renders us to God and his lervants ! How therein we 
are ihut up to our lulls ! how buried in ftupidity, for- 
getfulnefs, and flithinefs ! hid, amid earthly and finful 
cares and pleafures ! nor can any, befides thee, O Re- 
furreclion and Life, quicken and bid us go forth. 

SECT, III. 

Of a Jlated conrfe and praclice of Jin, 

I. A WILFUL courfe of fin is reprefented as a traDe 
f^*- and occupation a. With what deliberation, 
activity, conftancy, and delight, do unregenerate men, 
commit iniquity in every thought, word, and deed ! 
As of the devil, they attend conftantly to this very 
thing; commit fin, weavefpiders webs, wafte their time, 
thoughts, and fubftance in what may enfnare others, but 
cannot profit, nor cover themfelves ; hatch cockatrice 
eggs, do mifchief to themfelves, and all around. Ah ! 
why not rather ehufe. and labour for, the better part, 
that mall never be taken from them ! 

2. It is a warfare after the Heih b. With what 
craft, rage and vigour, we therein oppofe God, his 
truths, his ordinances, and people, and feek to injure 
them ! How long, my foul, haft thou ferved day and 
night, winter and iummer in this horrid campaign ! 

3. It is a walking in and after the flefh c. With 
what deliberation, pleafure, and progrefs in evil, do we 
therein follow our indwelling lufts as our guide ! and 
take Satan's will, and the pattern of an evil world for 
our way ! more gradually towards deftruclion, always 
acting under the influence ot finful and carnal principles, 
motives, and ends \ Lord, againft me ftop the way. 

4. It is compared to the running of a rack d. With 
vain hopes of reward, do wicked men fet out therein ; 
and with what amazing activity, they, at their eternal 
hazard, contend with one another, in doing evil! And ah 

a 1 John iii 8, 9. b 2 Cor. x. 3. # Rom viii. 4. d Isa, fix. 7. 



37^ SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

how quickly, if mercy prevent hot, {hall they attain the 
goal of endlefs ruin! 

5. It is compared to drunkenness a. With what 
pleafure, greed, ftrong defire, do evil men drink up ini- 
quity, drink up fcorning» following after, and commit 
fin! indulge themfelves in blafphemous feoffs, till their 
confcience be thereby ftupified, their heart diftra&ed 
and enraged ! O may I, for ever, drink of the well of 
Bethlehem, of the fountain of living waters, and ftreams 
from Lebanon. 

6. It is compared to a wallowing in the mire I. 
How altogether abfurd and (hameful! How therein our 
belt works do more and more defile us ! Lord, when wilt 
thou pluck me out, and carry me home, that I may wal- 
low no more ! 

7. It is reprefented as a growth in fin, a FILLING UP 
THE measure of iniquity c. Therein wicked men 
fiourifh andincreafe in wickednefs,grow worfe and worfe, 
more bold and a&ive in it, till they attain that height 
and meafure, at which God hath determined to cut 
them off. 

8. It is called a crooked way d. How unfightly ! 
felf-inccnfiftent ! grievous ! and inconftant ! And how 
contrary to the even rule of the divine law ! How oft, 
Lord, are my ways fo crooked, that none but thee can 
know them ! 

9. It is called a fire e. How terribly it increafes our 
enmity and rage againft God ! How inexpreffibly dan- 
gerous, burning us up, and hurrying us to the vengeance 
of eternal fire! Lord, fave from this Taberah j this in- 
fernal burning. 

1©. Jt is compared to darkness/. Nothing in it is 
inftru&ive, con.fortable, or edifying. It perplexes, 
blinds, and occ.fions fpiritual Humbling to all around. 

t Job xv, 16. b 1 Pet, ii, 22. c M.itth, xxiii, 32, 
d Psal, exxv, 5. « Jude 23*. / Piov, iv 19. 



Of metaphors respecting a slated course of sin, 377 

SECT. IV. 

Of particular c&urfes or ads of fin* 
I. Of lejfer and greater fins. 

LESSER fins are compared to motes in the eye, and 
to gnats, while greater are likened to beams and 
CAMELS a. The very leaft are hurtful and blinding, and 
will be painful to the faints; but others are more obvi- 
ous and aggravated. 

II. Of Idolatry. 

1 . Idolatry, or falfe worfhip, is reprefented as a com- 
pafling God about with lies and deceit b. Falfely, it fup- 
pofes the divinity of idols : deceitfully, it gives them the 
honour due unto God. Does not my drawing near to 
God with my mouth, and honour him with my lips, 
while my heart is far from him, falfely fuppofe him a 
blind idol, and deceitfully flatter him ? 

2. It is called a fowing of the wind c ; to mark its va- 
nity, unprofitablenefs, and hurtful influence. Ah, how 
many thereby reap the whirlwind of divine judgments! 

3. It is called a hewing out of broken citterns, that can 
hold no water d\ to denote that the hardeft labour 
therein will bring no true advantage or comfort. 

4. It is called a feeding on afhes e. How vain, bafe 
and hurtful ! And what a manifelt token of inward cor- 

1 ruption and plagues ! 

5. It is reprefented as whoredom /. Thereby the 
l Hebrews and others did, or do break their marriage- 
covenant with God, as his church ; and admit idols into 
his room, as the darling of their heart, and object of 
their religious honour. 

6. It is reprefented as a fetting up idols in the hearty; 
to fignify, that inward love to, and efteem of idols, are 
the fpring of the worfhip given them. 

7. Idols are reprefenced as vanity, they can do no 
good : as carcases, becaufe without life, and deteflable 

a Matth, vii, 3, and xxiii, 24. h Hosea xi, 12. t Hosea viii, 7. 

& Jer, ii, 13. $ Isa, xliv, 20. / Ezek, xvj, and xxiii. g Ezek, xiv, 4. 
I i 



378 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

to God : as stumbling-blocks, as they occafion mens 
falling into fin and danger: as upright like the palm-tree, 
without any motion they remained fixed in their erect 
pofture : as DUNG gods, becaufe altogether contemptible 
and abominable ; as torments, becaufe they bring their 
worfhippers to mifery a. 

III. Of apofiacy from God. 

i . Apofiacy from God is called backsliding b. How 
abfurd and contrary to light and reafon ! How gradual, 
and often infenfible! In the iflue, how dangerous! If any 
man draw back, God's fcui will have no pleafuie in him. 

2. It is called a leaving of firfi love c. It implies an 
abatement of former eiteem, regard to, and defire after 
God, and his Chrift. 

3. It is called a dealing treacheroufly d. It is tran- 
fa&ed contrary tofolemn vows, and under fair pretences 
of f riendfhip. 

4. It is called a revolting from God e. Therein we 
caft off his authority arid law - 9 withdraw from him our 
fubje&ion, and revenues of honour ; and beftow them up- 
on ourfelves, upon Satan, and the world. 

IV. Of carnal fecurity. 
Carnal fecurity is compared to a BED ; a sleep ; a 
SLUMBER ; and drowsiness/. How carelefs, languid, 
thonghtlefs, ignorant, and infenfible it renders our foul ! 
How averfe to beftir ourfelves in queft of any fpiritual 
good ! or to be awakened ! How we lean on the pillows 
of our attainments and felf-righteoufnefs ! How we lofe 
our time, and expofe our fpiritual nakednefs! How fond- 
ly we amufe ourfelves with empty dreams and imagi- 
nations, of the excellency and happinefs of cur ftate! and 
how readily we quarrel with God's providence and mi- 
niflers, who attempt to rouze us up! 

V. Of hertfies. 
1. Hcrefies, and their attending abominations, are 
called depths or Satan g. By his agency, their au 

« Jer, X, 15,5. Ezek, xiv,4. Ts.tx1v.t6. fcJer, iii, 22. c Rev. 
ii, 4. i Ma], ii, n. * Isa, xxxi, 6. /Sorg in, 1, and v, 2, 

g Rev, ii, 24. 



Of metaphors respecting particular courses of sin. 379 
thors cunningly frame them ; and pretend that a great 
f deal of knowledge, wifdom, and unfearchable myftery is 
contained in them. 

2. Falfe do&rines are compared to a canker or gan- 
grene a. How infenfibly and gradually they wafle and 
devour the churches of Chrift, and fouls of men ! How 
eflfe&ually they wear out the vitals of religion 5 and even 
the form of godlinefs! How difficult of cure! But is there 
any thing too hard for the Lord ? 

3 They are called vain babbling b. How noify and 
foolilh ! how unfubftantial and unprofitable ! Feed not 
thyfelf, my foul, with thefe,but with Jefus' words, which 
are fpirit and life. 

VI. Of whoredom. 

- l» Secret fin, efpecially whoredom, is compared to 
stolen WATERS, and bread eaten in fecret c. What 
pleafure and delight men take in it ! how they exert 
themfelves to obtain it ! and what endeavours they ufs 
to hide it! 

2. Whoredom is compared to coals of fire, and a 
HOT oven d. From the inward burning, of abfurd and 
outrageous lull it proceeds. Great is the danger of the 
moil diitant approaches to it. Can a man take fuch fire 
into his bofom ? can he go upon thefe burning coals, and 
not be hurt, not be haftened towards hell-fire ? 

3. It is reprefented as a dart ftriking through one's 
liver e> How quickly, how unexpectedly it ruins the 
powers of the foul ! and the inward conftitution of the 
body of thefe, who are given to it! 

4. Unclean luft is compared to the rage of a stal- 
lion/. How brutim, fhamelefs, furious, and command- 
ing its force ! 

VII. Of opprejjion of the poor \ 
1. Oppreflion of the poor is called a panting after the 
duft on their head g. Tnereby the oppreflbrs incline to 
rob them ot every thing, and erufh them to the dull of 
death. 

<t 2 Tim,ii, 17. * * Tim, ii, 16. «• Prov, ix, r?. '? i Prov, vi , 
27,2!. fProVjVii, 23. /Jerv, 8. ^Amosii, 7. 
Ii 2 



3S0 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

i. It is reprefented as a felling them for a pair of 
fftoes a\ to mark how light) j the opprefTor efteems them ; 
and for how little he is difpofed to ruin them. 

3. It is called a crufhing and treading upon them h ; 
to fignify the grievous; afBiclive, and debafing tendency 
thereof. 

4. It is called a flaying of them ; a chopping their 
bones ; a frighting and tearing them in the manner of 
lions, wolves, or bears r ; to denote the inhuman cruel- 
ty contained m it, and the utter ruin effected by it. 

5. It is reprefented as a building of houfes and cities 
by blood d; becaufe opprefTors rear thefefbc&ures with 
the wealth extorted from others, to the endangering of 
their life. 

6. It is calling an eating of God's people as bread e; 
to mark the pleafure and greed wherewith wicked men 
perfecute the perfons, ruin the character, and confume 
the fubflance of the godly. 

VIII. Of prevailing Jins, 

Prevailing fins, with their attending judgments, arc 
called GREY hairs /. They manifeft their fubjecls to 
have enjoyed their beft days, and to be old in fin, and wi- 
thered, weak, and feeble, in their fpiritual condition, 
and that their death and ruin hailens apace, if mercy pre- 
vent not. And ah, how Oft have men thefc iymptoms 
without knowing it ! 

IX. Ofjalfe hopes and joy s. 

Falfe hopes and joys are likened to a rush ; a FLAG » 
a spider's web ; a houfe built on the fand g ; to mark 
how unfubftantial they are ; and how incapable to endure 
the ftorms of trouble, conviclion, or death. 

X . Of v ain fpeeches and imaginations. 

Vain fpeeches and imaginations are likened to the 
east wind h ; to fignify how unfubftantial, noify, Malt- 
ing, and hurtful they are. 

«Amosviii,6. b Amos v, 11. #Amosviti, 4. Micah iii, 2, 3, 
(1 Hab. ii, 12. e Psal. xiv, 4. /Hosea vii,9, 

g Job viii, 11, ---14. AJcbxv, 2, 



Of metaphors respecting particular courses of sins 381 

XT. Offelf-righteoufnefs. 
Self-righteoufnefs refembles a spider's web, and fil- 
thy rags a. How worthlefs, vile, unconnected, and 
ihamefui is it before God, and every convinced con- 
ference ! 

XII. Of perverting of judgment. 
Perverting of judgement is compared to HEMLOCK 
growing up in the furrows of the field b ; to denote how 
bitter, grievous, poifonous, hurtful, and wide-fpread it 
was. 

*J* •*" •*- <g) ■*--*> ^- 

SECT. V. 

Of temptations tdjin* 

1. ^TEMPTATIONS to fin are reprefented as traps ; 
JL snares ; pits c . Unawares they feize us ; firm- 
ly they retain us ; and tend to promote our prefent and 
future ruin. O Jefus, open mine eyes to difcern them ; 
guide my feet in the way of peace. Break the fnares, 
that I may efcape. 

2. They are reprefented as stumbling- blocks d. Ah 
how Satan and his agents lay them in our way ! Xo our 
own and others hurt, how heedlefsly we rufh upon them \ 
and finfully Humble and fall in our converfation S 

3. They are reprefented as devices and wiles e 
With what craft do Satan and his agents devife and lay 
them before us ! How well they are fuited to our nature, 
temper, and circumftance ! How cunningly are fins there- 
in reprefented to us as virtues ; as fmall fins, that can be 
eafily repented of, and may be readily forgiven ! How 
craftily we are diffuaded from duty, as if unfeafonable 
unimportant, unplain, or dangerous ! Attend, my ?r foul 
be not ignorant of thefe devices. 

4. They are reprefented as a buffeting rod 5 and 

thorn in the flefti /. Ah how they harafs, opprefs, and 

grieve fome ; chiefly faints ! and render them weary of 

a Isa, lix, 4, and Ixiv, 6. b Hosea x, 4, c Joshua xxiii',13. 
Prov. -Axii, J4, d Ezek, iii, 20, e 2 Cor.ii, 11. /z Cor, xii, 7 

1 i 3 



3^2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

their life ! My foul, what time thou art pricked or buf- 
feted, have recourfe to Jefus, that his grace may be 
iufficient for me. 

5. They are reprefented as a sifting a. Ah how Sa- 
tan, by them, troubles, toffes, and tries the faints ! But, 
blefTed Redeemer, thou haft prayed for them, that their 
faith fail not. None fhall make them out of thy hand ; 
nor fhall the fmalleft (tone o£ their number fall to the 
earth. 

6. They are reprefented as a wrestling and war- 
fare b. How elofdy, how furioufly, how craftily, do 
Satan -and his agents therein ply the faints ! endeavour 
to trip up their heels ! overturn and ruin their foul ! but 
God fhall make them Hand. 

7. They are reprefented as fiery darts c. From 
what diftance they may be call ! to heavenly fouls how 
terrible their appearance ! howfuddenly, and from what 
unexpected airth they ftrike ! how fearfully they kindle 
the corruption of our heart ! May I continually bathe 
myfelf in the fountain of a Saviour's blood, in the river 
of his Spirit, that I may readily quench all the fiery darts 
of the devil. 



CHAP. IX. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING PROSPERITY, SPIRITUAL OR 
TEMPORAL. 

r. "pPvGSPERITY is compared to life d. What 
ST ufefulnefs and aptnefs for work attend it ! If my 
gold or filver abound, be thou, my foul, lift up in the 
ways of the Lord ; do good to others ; and run in the 
way, of his commandments, when he enlarges my heart. 

2, It refembles the having the head anointed with oil e. 
In the enjoyment thereof men do, or ought, to appear 
comely, lovely, and cheerful. 

3. It is reprefented as a fitting under our own vines 

4 Luke xxii, j2. b £ph*. vi, n. c Ghay. vi 16. 

4 Psal xxx, 5. « Psal. xxiii. 5. 



Of metaphors respecting prosperity , &c 3 s 3 

and fig-trees and a beating weapons of war into inftru- 
ments of hufbandry a ; to mark the pleafure, the proper- 
ty, the refrefhroent, the peace, fat isf action, and fafe- 
ty therein comprehended. Sit, my foul, under Jefus* 
ihadow, with great delight ; let his fruit be iweet to my 
tafte. Thus, though the fig-tree mould not bloffom, and 
no meat be in the vine, and the labour of the olive fail ; 
yet will I rejoice in the Lord, and be joyful in the God 
of my falvation. With deteitation mail I caft away the 
weapons of my rebellion againfl him ; and improve the 
remembrance of my wickednefs, to render me a&ive in 
gofpel-holinefs. 

4. It is reprefented as a lifting up h. It prevents 
contempt and opprcflion ; renders us more viiible to man- 
kind ; exalts us to honour, authority, pleafure, and more 
abundant ufefulnefs. May I be raifed up together with 
Chrift ; fo, when tnen are caft down, I fhall fay, there is 
lifting up, and he {hall fave the humble perfpn. 

5. It is reprefented as health and fatness c. There- 
by pain, trouble, and poverty, are removed -, and plea- 
fure, ftrength, and extenfive influence, abundant fulnefs, 
honour, and power, fucceed in their room. Be thou, O 
Saviour, the health of my countenance, and my God. 

6. It is reprefented as a tree of life d. What plee» 
fure, courage, comfort, and vivacity it affords ! BlefTed 
Jefus, how oft have my deferred hopes of fellowfhip with 
thee, made my heart fick ! but when thou comeft, thou 
art a tree of life ; becaufe thou liveft, I mall live alfo. 

7. It is compared to a flourifhing field, or garden e. 
-How pleafant and refreilitui to behold ! and how promi- 

iing of what is better ! Lord render my foul as a water- 
ed garden, whofe fprings fail not i 

8. It is compared to light ; to the sun ; the moon ; 
to a lam? ; a candle/. By means thereof are men 
noticed, and regardfully diftinguifhed ; and have an op- 
portunity of a&ive ufefulnefs. How pleafant and de- 
lightful it is ! Yet how fad all outward profperity haf- 
tens to its final period I and the brighter it mine, its du- 

« Mich, iv, 3, 4, b Jobxxii, 20, c Jer. xxxiii, 6. Prov, 

xii, 4. d Prov, xiij, iz t <? Isa. Iviii, 11, / Isa. lx, io, Psal. xviii, 2$. 



3 §4 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

ration is ordinarily the fhorter. May the Lord be my 
everlafting light, and my God my glory. 

9. It is compared to a spring-tide ; a Morning, or 
DAY a. Therein our enjoyments bud, and promife much 
increafe ; every thing in our lot feems frefh and fmiling, 
and calls us to activity and labour. Therein we are 
■warmed with pleafure and fulnefs; ling for joy, and 
walk abroad With airs of gaity and cheerfulnefs. But 
how quickly does the winter and night of death fucceed! 

10. It is compared to moisture and dew b. How 
refreshing, pleafant, and ufeful ! and therein ought we, 
like a dew from the Lord of hofts, to refrefh and do good 
to others. 

11. It is compared to water; a fountain ; a Ri- 
ver c. How pleafant to behold, or enjoy it ! What ex- 
tenfive ufefulnefs, apparent fecurity, and continuing du- 
ration, it feems to promife ! But how oft it proves 
brooks of Tenia ; is quickly dried out of its place ! 

12. It is compared to a table ; a FEAST ; a cu? of 
wine; or milk d. Divinely is it fet before us, and mea- 
fured out to us ; pleafantly and greedily is it embraced 
by us ; and cheerful and merry it renders us. But art 
not thou, endlefs nuptial, feafl of the Lamb, thou new 
wine in the Father's kingdom, thou milk, not of the 
Gentiles,, but of Jefus> ten thoufand times fweetei than 
honey to my tafte ! 

1 3. It is called a crown e. What glory, refpe&, and 
authority attend it ! But ah, how tottering ! how eafily 
it falls from our head, becaufe we have finned ! 

14. The rich man's wealth is his strong city/. He 
trufts and depends on it for fafety ; and is by it protec- 
ted from various infults and dangers. 

15 Ricties are likened to eagles £. How quickly 
they oft fly away from men, never to be regained ? and 
mount towards heaven, to accufe their owners to God. 
for abufi.ig them ! 

16. Tiiey are called the mammon of unrighteoufnefs b. 
What a numerous collection and multitude ! How oft 

a Isa. xxxv, r,2, and xxi, 13. b Psal. xxxii, 4, Job xxix, 19. 

« Isa. .xvi, 1 2 d PsaJ. xxiii, 5. Isa, \xvi 11. e Lam. v, 16, 

,/Prov, X;5- g Prov. xxui, 5, k Luke xvi, 9. 



Of metaphors respe&ing adversity, 385 

the object of much unrighteoufnefs in procuring and 
keeping them ! What others finfully gain or ufe, let 
me lawfully get, and lay out in works of piety, and cha- 
rity, that I may be rewarded in the heavenly, the ever- 
lading habitations. 

17. Saintscount all but LOSS and dung to win Chrilt a. 
In comparifon of him, they reckon every other thing 
contemptible, ufelefs, unfavoury, and vile, 



CHAEI, 

OF MET AFHQRS RESPECTING ABVEftiXT ¥> 

I. Q ORE troubles are likened fo a troop of horse- 
*3 MEN ; and reprefented as the terrors of God fet 
in array againft one b, O their irrefiftible force \ the 
impoflibilityof fleeing from them ! the fear, perplexity, 
aftonifhment, and oft hopelefs ftupiduy of men under 
them! 

2. Affliction is called the blast and breath of God, 
smoke out of his noflriis c, How eafily he infli&s it 
upon us ! and thereby, how are we toffed, fanned, un- 
fettled, and perplexed ! Amid my trouble, Lord, breathe 
on me, and caufe me to receive the Holy Ghoft. 

3. It is compared to lions ; bears j and serpents d. 
What terror and ravage it fpreads in the world ! In de- 
flating judgements, how unmercifully are men torn and 
Hung in their perfons and enjoyments \ 

4. It is likened to an almond-tree e -, to mark its 
fpeedy approach, and its lafting duration. How quick- 
ly violence rifes up into a rod of wickednefs ! How 
quickly pride buds, and brings forth punifhment ! 

5. It is compared to a thorn hedge; a furrounding 
wall of hewn (tone ; a wall of gall and travail/. It flops 
our courfe and enterprize ; flints us up from liberty and 
efcape. How oft our attempts to remedy it, do but 
prick us, and embitter our condition more and more I 

a Phil, iii, 8, 9, bJer.xiu$. Prov, xxiv 34, ejobiv, 9. 

d Amos v, 19, EccK x, 8. # Jer, i, 11. /Lam. iii 5, 7. 



3&6 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

6. It is reprefented as a feeding on gravel, and four 
grapes; and having the teeth fet on edge a. How de- 
bafing and unpleafant ! How bitter it renders life, and 
the enjoyments thereof; Lord fweeten my trouble with 
thy love. 

7. Sore trouble is reprefented as a treating down ; a 
cutting down ; a drying up ; a covering with afhes b; to 
denote the violent debafement and oppreffion, the pain- 
ful agony, the deprivation of comfort, and of the hope 
of it, therein contained. 

8. It is called a licking of the duft like ferpents ; a 
moving in the holes of the earth ; a fitting in the duft c. 
to mark the dreadful debafement, the fhame, and the dif- 
ficulty of obtaining neceffary provifion, contained in it. 
And how oft do finners then wail as dragons, and hifs 
and murmur as ferpents !j 

9. It is called a breaking in the place of dragons, and 
with breach upon breach d. How oft is it inflicted by 
inftruments cruel and unmerciful, who fcarce allow the 
leaft hope of outgate' How oft is one painful and deba- 
fing judgment added to another ! How effectually they 
break our fpirits, deprive us of joy, vigour, and courage; 
break our bodily conftitution I break of our purpofes ! 
break to pieces our worldly enjoyments ! break afun- 
der families, churches, and nations. O Jefus, heal our 
prefent breaches, which are wide like the fea. 

10. Adverfity is compared to a voice, or founding of 
trumpets e. Often God warns men thereof; and by it 
he folemnly calls us to confider our ways, and with 
"whom we have to do ; to repent of our iin, and flee to 
Jefus, from the wrath which is to come. O may I 
diftinctly know, what is fpoken and founded ! 

11. Fearful affliction is reprefented as a fcattering 
ofbrimftone upon one's habitation f\ alluding to the 
overthrow of Sodom ; and to mark, how wrathful, diC 
agreeable, and hopelefs, it renders our condition. 

12. God's judgments upon Antichrifl are reprefented 
as the pouring out of feven vials g\ to mark how 

a Lam. iii. 16. Ezek. xviii. 2. b Isa. xxii. 5. 

c Micah vii. 17. i Psal. xliv. 19, Job. xvi. 14. e Micah V1V9. 
IUv. vjii. 5, 13. f Job xviii. $. g Kcv, xvi. 



Of metaphors refpeBing ad<oerJity. 3S7 

wifely, gradually, and completely his vengeance mall o" 
vertake that ftate. Yet how fparingly, in comparifoa 
of the fall floods of his wrath in hell ! 

13. AflU&ion is called a trial a. Thereby God calls 
us to the bar of our confcience to examine and confider 
our ways ; and he manifefts to ourfelves, or the world 
around, what tempers and difpolitions we are of. 

14. It is compared to the fcorching heat of the fun 
or noon-tide b. In it how vehemently do an angry 
God, prevailing corruptions, wicked angels and men, 
difquiet our fouls, our bodies, and deprive us of our 
reft, refrelhment, comfort, and glory ! How is our duty 
thereby hindered, or rendered hard to perform ! Under 
fuch trouble, let me flee under Chriii's fhadow, and live 
as one planted in, and watered by him. 

15. It is compared to an evening or night c. It 
fucceeds a morning of profperity, opportunity, or life. 
In it, Chrift the Sun of righteoufnefs, and other fun- 
like comforts, are withdrawn ; and only moons of infti- 
tuted ordinances, ftars of mimflers, and fuch like lefTer 
comforts are left behind. How oft does our fun go 
down at noon ! our comforts forfake us, when we leaii 
expected it ! In trouble, how heartlefs ; cold j painful ; 
and dangerous to live ! What deluftve meteors of vain 
fancies, and flattering temptations, blaze abroad ! What 
wild beads of hurtful inclinstiors range around, feek- 
ing whom they may devour ! How flowly time feen*s 
to move ! How drowfy and ftupid our fouls often be- 
come ! And how oft is the darknefs and danger greateft, 
before the day fpring of deliverance appear ! 

16. It is compared to darkness d. It is a judgment 
divinely inflicted, and occaiioned by the hiding of God's 
face ; by his removal of the fun and lamp of profperity 5 
by his depriving us of his word and ordinances ; his 
cutting off the great men of a church or ftate. How 
unpleafant and unactive it renders our life ! What wan- 
dering and {tumbling it occaftons ! How different its de- 
grees, though it can (till become worfe ! How grievous, 
efpecially to tliefc who have tailed the pleafures of aa 

a Ezeli. xxi. 13- iR.ev.xvi. 8. Song 1.7. 

, * Isa. xxi, 12. Zech. xiv. 7. d Lara, iii, 2. 



388 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

oppofite lightfome profperity ! How oft is it fuch a 
mixture of mercy and judgment, that it is hard to faj 
which prevails. Yet, let me reverence it; it is the 
doing of the Lord, let it be wondrous and acceptable in 
mine eyes ; it is his pavilion and fecret place; let me 
therein behave as in his immediate prefence ; let me 
feeWfter him ; though clouds and darknefs be round 
about him, judgment, mercy, and truth, go before his 
face. 

17. Afflictions are compared to CLOUDS a. How 
great their variety, how numerous their ingredients ! 
how oft they fuddenly come upon us ! how fignally they 
obftrucl: our light and comfort ! and render us dull, 
heavy, cold, and carelefs ! Yet doth not God ride there- 
on ? Is not he prefent in ? and is it not his alone to re- 
move them ? 

18. They are compared to rain ; DEW; and drops 
of the night b. How numerous their ingredients ! hoiv 
grievous ; and for the prefent, feemingly hurtful to the 
diftrefTed ! Yet afterward, how often profitable to ren- 
der us fruitful in the works of Tighteoufnefs ! BlefTed 
Saviour, what cotintlefs drops of divine wrath fell on 
thine head, thine heart ! O thy amazement and heavi- 
nefs under the weight thereof ! but delightful and nu- 
merous the fruits of glory to God, and felicity to men, 
thereby produced ! 

19. They are likened to winter c. God appoints 
and limits them. The withdrawment of his fmiling coun- 
tenance, the removal of his warming and illuminating 
word and ordinances, or of outward profperity, occafion 
them. How painful to endure ! how oft they kill fuch 
as are not rooted and grounded in Chrift! how they nip 
the weeds of corruption in the faints! and cut off the 
vermin of carnal profefTors from among them ! How ef- 
fectually they render difficult our way to the heavenly 
kingdom ! and proportional to their feverity, fweeten the 
fpring-tide of glory, when it cometh! Adored Jefus, how 
tremendous was thy winter of fuffering! thy foul was 
troubled, amazed, and very heavy, forrowful even unto 
death. O (hocking winter that beftormed, that pained^ 
a Psal. xcvii. 2. b Song v. 2. Ma'.th. vix. 25. c Sqhz ii, u* 



Of metaphors respecting adversity, $8f 

that froze to death, almighty God! Bat rejoice, my foul, 
the winter is paft, the rain is over and gone ; Jefus hath 
fuffered, and entered into his glory. The winter of my 
unregeneracy is part; quickly fhall my winters of raging 
corruption and trouble be finifhed, and one eternal fpring 
enfue. 

20. They are compared to ftorms of wind ; hail ; 
and rain a. By the abounding of iniquity; by the want 
of humiliation under former trials; by the death of godly 
men; by infpired hints applied to the conscience, and the 
like, are they often forboded. Out of God's treafures 
of indignation, they are brought forth; and by his power 
and wifdom, they are governed ; devils and wicked men 
being no more than his inilruments. How fwiftly they 
purfue! how (uddenly; how terribly and irrefiftibly they 
feize upon mortals ! what deflations they make in the 
earth! how wretched, perplexed, and painful, the cafe of 
thefe under them, who are without Chrift! how theftorm. 
fweeps away their lying refuges of vain imaginations, 
felf-righteoufnefs, and finful methods of deliverance ! 
how this whirlwind binds them up in its wings, and 
hurls them into eternal ruin ! 

21. They are compared to waterspouts ; BRooKS; 
OVERFLOWING STREAMS; and SWELLINGS of JoRDAN b. 

How various the inilruments and ingredients thereof! 
how they run in our way to the celeftial blifs! in what 
high degree; and how fuddenly, fucceilively, violently, 
and irrefiftibly, they often attack us! How loud, how ter- 
rible their melTage from God to our conference ! how 
muddy and difagreeable to our tafte! What havock they 
make in families, nations, and enjoyments! How effeftru 
ally they carry off into eternal wo, thefe who are not an- 
chored, rooted, and grounded in Ghrift! 

22. They are compared to depths and deep mires r. 
How oftthey gradually increafe and overwhelm us! how 
faft they retain, and refufe to let us go ! In them, how 
wretched, cold, perplexed and difpirited our foul ! how 
incapable are we to recover ourfelves from them ! how 
oft, my foul, are the deeps like to fwallow me up ! how 

a Isa. xxviii, 17, Matth. vii, 25, h Psal, xitf, 7, and ex, f, 

Jer. xii, 5, c Peel. Ixix J, 2, and xl, 2, 



390 SACKED TROFOLOGY- 

oft am I deprived of the fmiles of Jefus* love! perplexed 
with ingratitude to him ! afraid of his jufl wrath ! op- 
prefTed with his judgments ! harafTed in confcience with 
tears of utter rejection ! with temptations of Satan, and 
prevalency of inward corruption! But rejoice, Jcfus was 
nights and days in the deep, that he might pave my 
deeps with his everlafting love. His way is in the fea, 
and his path in the mighty waters ; and from all my 
great deeps ihall he draw me out. Though now deep 
call unto deep ; all his wav^s and billows go over me ; 
yet his loving-kindnefs will the Lord command in the 
da}'- time. The name of all my deeps is, The Lord is 

THERE. 

23. Trouble is compared to a wilderness a. In it 
bow difficult to live ! how expcfed to enemies, fnares, 
temptations ! how hard to difcern our ftate and condi- 
tion; or find a way of efcape ! how many our wants ! 
how rough our way! While I am here, may Jehovah 
feed me with his hidden manna; lead; humble; and prove 
me; and do me good in my latter end. 

34. It is called a valley; a bottom ; a valley of 
the fhadow of death b. Therein how debafed, our con- 
dition ! how ready are we to be trode upon ! What 
a prelude of death ! What terrors dft furround us there- 
in ! Yet in this low valley has not my foul ordinarily 
rnofl moiflure? and is me not moll fruitful? Let me then 
never fear trouble nor death, while I have a Chrift 
with me. 

2.C. It is compared to pits; nets ; snares ; stum- 
bling blocks c. How wickedly do Satan and his agents 
oft prepare them for us; and draw us thereinto ! How 
unprepared and fuddenly, do we often fall therein! How 
are we entangled, that endeavours to extricate ourfelves, 
do but inveigle us more and more ! How oft we rage as 
wild bulls in a net ! How oft we zre overthrown, hurt, 
and bruifed thereby ! How fadly they (lop our way, and 
•r.nder us unfightly! 

26. It is compared to a prison; stocks; or CHAIN^. 
It reftrains our libeity; marks our guilt; promotes our 

a H^sea ii, J 4, b Zech. i, S, P»al. xxiii, 4, c Fsal. vii, 15, and 
x, 9. d Psal. cxlii, 6. 



, , Of metaphors respecting adversity* 391 

marne, fear, pain, difquiet, and oft connection with bad 
companions, it is thine, O fupreme Judge to call us 
into, and deliver us from it. Our attempts to efcape at 
our own hand, do bat add to our mifery. My foul, 
quietly bear thy ihame ; accept the punifhment of thine 
iniquity; beitill, amid thy trouble, till God himfelf bring 
thee out. 

27. It is compared to a bed a. Oar fpirit it con- 
fines ; our activity it restrains. Under it, how lick, 
uneafy, unfightly, lean, destitute of courage or comfort 
are we! 

28. It is compared to a fire ; a furnace ; flames ; 
an oven b. How oft it breaks forth fuddenly ! how 
quickly itfpreads ! how terrible its alarm ! how hard to 
itop, and painful to endure! as good fubilance, the faints 
are only melted and purified; as Hubble, the wicked are 
deftroyed and haftened to eternal fire. It makes men's 
faces like flames ; fills them with reddening terror and 
rage. It makes them blacker than a eoal ; deprives 
them of their joy, their glory, and honour. It renders 
them like bottles in the fmoke, quite unlightly,and alrnoii 
ufelefs. When I pafs through the fire, be thou, Jcfas, 
with me; fo fhall i not be burnt, nor the flame kindle 
upon me. 

29. It is compared to arrow 3 ; to a sword ; and o- 
ther weapons of war c. Afflictions are launched from 
the bow of God's providence, and managed and directed 
by his hand. How numerous and well-aimed ! How oft 
do they fecretly and unexpectedly fir ike, wound, pierce, 
and pain our body or foul! How oft, O Lord, have thine 
arrows ituck fait in me, and thine afflicting hand preflod 
me fore ! how oft have the poifon thereof, the torment 
and fear ariling therefrom, exhauited the joy, oarage, 
and eafe of my fpirit ! 

30. It is compared to a rod or scourge d. What 
a painful and grievous confeqaence of fin i It isTent to 
caufe us con fide r our evil ways, and turn to tne Lord ; 
kindly ought we to receive 4C. and carefully to improve 
it. How oft it proves beneficial to promote oar convic- 
tion, and conversion to God ! bach as often corrected, 

a Rev. ii. 22, * b Zeeh. xiii, 9, t J 3b vi, 4. d Jjb. ix. jv 

K k 2 



39 2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

harden their neck, fhall be fuddenly deftroyed, and that 
without remedy. .Correct me, O Lord, but in rneafure ; 
and let thy rod drive all my fin, my foolifhnefs, from 
my heart. - 

31. It is compared to a wound ; disease ; lean- 
ness a. How fharply it pains us ! how fadly it con- 
fines, and abridges our liberty ; fpoils of our glory and 
fulnefs ; and renders us weak and unfightly. Ah, by 
neglect to receive and digeft my fpiritual prcvifion ; by 
finful anxiety ; by immoderate care about earthly things; 
by taking fatisfaction in carnal and finful pleafures ; by 
manifold difeafes of fin and forrow, what a lean, a de- 
formed ikeleton am I ! My leannefs my leannefs wo un- 
to me ! 

32. It £3 represented as a thing CROOKED b. In the 
inward or outward cafe of our perfon ; in the cafe of our 
family, our friends or enjoyments, how uneven, diffimi- 
lar, difagreeable, and uncomely, it renders our lot ! O 
the unnumbered crooks of mine ! By thy faviour, blef- 
fed Jefus, thou lifted me up ; and by thy rebukes thou 
cafteft me down ; but eternity fhall make even all. Let 
not then my foul endanger herfelf, eilaying to make 
itraight, what he hath made crooked. 

33. It is called a cross c. Like the ancient croiTes, to 
which malefactors were fixed, it flretches, pains, and 
expofes us, as fhameful malefactors in God's fight. It 
crofTes our hopes, defires, defigns, and attempts : we 
look for good ; but evil comes ; we feek light ; and be- 
hold it is darknefs. May all my trouble be the crofs of 
Chrifl. 

34. It is compared to a burden and weight d. It 
oppreflfcs and finks our fpirits ; it lowers our circum- 
flances. It renders us uueafy in life, and unfit for ex- 
tend ve action. If burdens be impofed, if plowers plow 
upon my back, it is the grief, the load, the Lord hath 
appointed me; let me therefore patiently bear it; be dumb 
becaufe he does it. Jefus bare my griefs, and carried 
my forrow : he hath borne and carried, and even to old 
age he will bear, and he will carry, and he will deliver 

# ha. i,6, andxxiv, \6. b Eccl. vii, 13. c Matth. xvi, 24, 

rf Isa. xxx, 27. 



Of metaphors respecting adversity. 395 

me. Be thou, my foul, a follower of them, who through 
faith and patience inherit the promifes. 

$$. It is called a yoke w. How clofely it cleaves to 
us, and joins us together! firmly we are fixed therein; 
fadly is our fpirit oft galled thereby. Neverthelefslc 
obliges us to follow the courfe appointed for us, in the 
providence of God. It is a yoke of tranfgrefnon wreath- 
ed about our neck by our iniquities; for though hand 
join in hand, the finner fhall not go unpunished. 

36. It 13 called a hook ; and bridle b. By apply- 
ing it to men, and painfully tormenting them therewith, 
God, at his pleafure, restrains them from their intended 
purpofes ; drags them through the world, and the <ai- 
verflfied circumftances thereof; and at laft draws them 
into the eternal {fate. 

37. It is compared to a fan ! and sieve c. There- 
by God tries and difcovers what we are ; toffes us up 
and down ; feparates finners from the faints in the church; 
for what is the chaff to the wheat ? Hereby he fans and 
fifts our hopes ; for what is the chaff of vain imagi- 
nations to the comfortable oracles of Chrift ? Hereby 
he fcatters families and nations before him, lighter 
than the fmall duft of the balance. It is a fieve of va- 
nity, as God therein {hews mens emptinefs ; fets them 
one againft another ; and fpreads deftru&ion among the 
nations. Lard, lift thy chofen as thou wilt, none fhall 
be loft. 

38. It is compared to gall ; and wormwood d. 
How bitter and difagreeable to nature! But mixed with 
mercy ! how profitable to the faints ! It kills our in- 
ward vermin of corrupt inclinations ; it brings down our 
pride, purges off our filth ; cures our fpiritual barren- 
nefs and deadnefs ; and enlarges our appetite and defire 
after Chrift. O the height, the depth, of the wifdom 
and knowledge of God, who by gall and wormwood 
ufhers in fweet Jefus, and his glory to my heart ! 

39. It is compared to a cup, full of liquor e. Ex- 
actly God meafures it out to men ; and every one mult 
take his lhare. How oft it makes us ftagger as drunken 

a Ija. x. 27. b Isa. xxxvii. 29. c Jer, xv. 7. Isa. xxx, 28. 

d Jer, iv, 15. t Jer. xxv, 15. 

Kk 3 



394 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

men, not knowing what to do ; nor whither to go ! 
How oft it renders us ftupid and enraged ! How oft it 
caufeth us vomit up our fhame, confeffing our wicked- 
nefs, parting with what we finfully gained ; or pouring 
forth our blafphemous rage againft the divine Manager 
of all plagues ! How oft is it a cup of fury, proceeding 
from the revenging wrath of God ! making men drink 
with their own blood ; ftupified with their miferies ! 
How oft is it a cup of trembling and aftonifhment, ma- 
king us quake and faint at the thought of receiving, or 
of continuing to drink it ! Adored Redeemer, what a 
cup was thine ! a cup of trembling, filled with wine of 
aftonifhment ! a cup full of the fury of the Lord, full of 
thine own blood ! a cup deep as hell, and broader 
than the fea ! O how my heart is wonder-ftruck ! how 
melted to hear thee cry of it. The cup that my Fa- 
ther giveth me, fhall I not drink it! to fee thee wring out 
the bitter dregs thereof, and drink them out! for whom! 
for ME. 

40. The afflictions of Chrift and his people are called 
their baptism a. Through thefe they are dedicated to 
God ; put off their "connections with fin, and the mor- 
tality that attends it. How, Jefus, waft thou ftraitened, 
till thine was accomplished ! How thy bowels heaved 
"within thee, to find a vent in love, in fighs, in groans, 

in blood, in death, for men ! for me ! Heave all my 

powers -, burft thou mortal frame with love ; with 
longing for my Chrift. 

41. The overthrow of nations or churches is repre- 
fented as a rolling together the heavens; a turning the 
fun into blacknefs, and the moon into blood, and caufing 
the ftars to fall b ; to mark the mocking and fearful 
manner in which their frame is diflblved and broken to 
pieces: their luminaries perifti ; their idolatrous objects 
of worlhip are difgraced ; their magiftrates and mini* 
fters ejected, and barbaroully murdered ; their ordinan- 
ces, laws, and ftatutes, are aboliftied. Thefe, my Lord, 
Jhall perifh ; but thou (halt endure : they mall be chan- 

« Matth. xx. 22, 23, b Matih, xxiv. 29, Rev. vi, 

a, 13, Isa. xiii, io, 



Of metaphors respecting adversity, 3 9$ 

ged ; but thou art the fame, and thy years have no 
end, 

42. The overthrow of nations and churches is com- 
pared to an EARTHQUAKE a. How terrible and deftruc- 
tive ! How it makes men's hearts to fail and quake for 
fear ! How dreadfully it rends afunder the whole frame 
of government ! How furioufly and fuddenly are magi- 
ftrates, minifters, and great men, thefe exalted and o- 
vertopping mountains, private perfons, thefe plain fields 
and ufeful rivers, thrown out of their refpeclive ftations 
and enjoyments ! 

43. The overthrow of a nation or church is likened 
to an harvest and VINTAGE b. Men being ripe in, and 
having filled up the whole meafure of iniquity, which 
divine patience intended to bear with, God cuts them 
off from their Handing. The wicked he calls in bundles 
or multitudes into hell-fire : the faints he either pre- 
fsrves in life, or by death carries them home to him- 
felf. Ah ! what pricking thorns, and Mailing whirl- 
wind, do many then reap, as the punifhment of their 
crimes! 

44. Civil punifhment is called a wheel brought over 
the wicked c; alluding perhaps to fome ancient method 
of torture; and in order to reprefent its eafy execution, 
and bruifing influence. 

45. Church-cenfure is called a rod d. It is intended 
to correct men for their fin, and to reclaim them from 
it to Chrift ; and it is to be applied with tender affection, 
xneeknefs, equity, and prudence. 

46. Lets and impediments in the way of performing 
an enterprife, are called mountains ; gates of iron and 
brafs ; the fea ; the river Euphrates ; and ftreams of 
Egypt e ; becaufe they fignally Hop and hinder the 
execution of defigns. But by what will, in the way of 
performing the promife, thy power, O Jefus, mall re- 
move it, in the time thereof j mountains mall leap afide ; 
feas and rivers fhall dry up, at the rebuke of thy coun» 
tenance. 

a Rev, xi. 13. b Joel iii, 13, Rev. xiv. 15, 20. 

e Prov, xx, 26, d 1 Cor, iv, 2, 

c Isa. xl, 4, and xlv, 1, and xi, 15 , Rev, xvi. 12, 



3^ SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

CHAP. XI. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING HUMAN LIFE. 

i. TTUMAN life is compared to a post a. Night 
"J and day, it fwiftly paffeth forward ; nor can 
any thing ftop its progrefs one moment. Ye fons of 
men, improve every moment thereof. Rife early in 
the morning thereof, to follow hard after God. Reft 
on no prefent enjoyment, « If you come not up^o Jefus, 
in due time, your eternal life muft go for it. 

2. It is compared to the flight of an eagle halting 
to her prey b. With the mm oft fwiftnefs it paiTeth 
away, fcarce leaving the marks where it has been. What 
years I have lived, are not lived, but loft. What but 
veftiges of guilt are to be leen behind me ! 

3 It is compared to a flower, or grass c. In our 
infancy and youth, how fair and beautiful I At Jeho- 
vah's pleafure, how quickly cut down by untimely 
death ! or withered by old age ! Shall not my life* here- 
after revive as the corn, and grow as the lily ? 

4. It is compared to a way and journey d. How 
much trode ! how conftantly purfued ! how quickly 
ended ! My foul, while thou art in this way, agree 
with God. Let my whole way point towards eternal 
blifs. 

5 . It is compared to a feast e. In it God gives fome 
a cup of confolation and profperity ; to others he gives 
bread of affliction, a cup of adverfity and wo. Which fo- 
ever my Father giveth me, let me cheerfully drink it. 
If I am in Chrift, my life is a continual feaft. 

6. It is compared to a valuable merchandise to be 
redeemed /. Eternal and unbounded felicity or wo de- 
pends on every moment of it. By the enjoyment of God, 
every moment may be rendered more valuable than the 
whole earth. Senfible of its importance, deeply concern- 
ed we have lavilhed fo much of it on Satan, the world, 
and our lulls, we are to be doubly careful in improving 

a Job ix, 25. b Job ix, 26, e Job xiv, 2, James i, 

^Matth, v, 2$, 1 Cor, 5, 8, / Eph, v, 16. 



Of metaphors respecting human life* 397 

the reft. My foul, how has time lien heavy on thine 
hand ! How oft haft thou been flraitened how to difpofe 
of it ! How oft, by unneceffary fleep, by idle converfe, 
by vain and wicked devices, hall thou murdered its moil 
facred moments ! Are its few years too long to love 
Chrift ! too long, to prepare for eternity ! too long, to 
fecure the falvation of an immortal foul I Heareft thou, 
my foul, what murdered moments witnefs againfl thee ? 
Mail my life go for theirs! O dear-bought fleep, if it 
coil me a reftlefs eternity in hell ! O coflly hour fordrink- 
ing a bottle, if repaid with an eternal drinking of un- 
mixed wrath ! O ill-purchafed hours for a ball, or flage- 
play, if they cofl me everlafling fellow Slip in fire with 
the devil and his angels ! O dear-bought opportunity of 
an idle vifit, or unedifying chat, if it coil me endlefs 
weeping, wailing, and gnafhing of teeth ! Will the 
momentary enjoyment of a fenfual pleafure, common to 
me with the beafts, countervail the damage of unceafing 
torment? Should I, by giving my heart, my care, my 
time, to the world, gain the whole of it, what will it 
advantage me, if I lofe my foul ? 

7. It is compared to swift ships a. How quickly it 
palTeth away, and carries us into the ocean of eternity ! 
And how many in it imagine every thing moving, but 
themfelves ! How oft beftormed, and brought to the 
brink of ruin ! 

8. It is compared to a shepherd's tent h. Eternity 
apart, how mean it appears ! how eafily our lot therein 
is changed ! How eafily is life itfelf diffolved and fi- 
nifhed ! 

9. It is compared to a week or day c. Therein we 
are to be laborioufly occupied, fecuring our prefent and 
future felicity. Its duration is fixed, and, at the end 
thereof, we mall enter on the reftful Sabbath of everlafl- 
ing happinefs, or fearful night of unceafing wo. My foul, 
do I pafs my days in the wrath of God ? or in his fear ! 

10. It is compared to yesterday, and a watch of 
the night d. Quickly, and oft amid darknefs, perplexity,, 
and trouble, it pafieth away, and cannot be recalled. 

4 Job jx, 26. b Isa. xxxviii, \z» c Job vii, 1, d Psal. xc, 4. 



39$ SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

11. It is compared to a span and handbreadth a. 
How fhort its meafure ! how precifely fixed of God its 
duration ! And out not its brevity to be ever before 
us ! 

12. It is compared to a tale that is told h. How 
Kttleufefulimpreflion it makes upon our minds ! To how 
little purpofe has the paft been fpent ! How little abid- 
ing fenfe we have of what we do in it ! 

13. It is compared to a sleep c. How fhort and emp- 
ty ! How fadly paft ere we are rightly fenfible of en- 
joying it ! To how little purpofe are we either pained 
or pleafed in it ! What multitudes therein never think, 
a ferious thought, nor beftir themfelves to one good 
work ! 

14. It is compared to a dream d. How filled up with 
idlenefs and vanity ! How many in it are employed in 
they know not what, nor for what end ! How are their 
minds fluffed with empty imaginations, that they are, or 
fhall be happy ! that they are Chriftians indeed, and are 
employed in good works ! yet how all turns out vanity 
and vexation of fpirit! 

15. It is compared to the WIND e. Howunfubflanti- 
al ! how fwiftly, infenfibly, and irrefiftibly, it pafieth a- 
way, and returns no more J 

16. It is compared to a weaver's shuttle /. With 
what rapidity do its moments run along! and at laft, as 
a web, we are cut out of the world, by death ! 

17. It is compared to a cloud g. Notwithstanding of 
its promifing appearance, how quickly is it fpent ! and to 
how fmall account! How much driven away by the blaft 
of divine wrath ! it never returns ; and with what ter- 
ror, may many look thereat! 

18. It is compared to a vapour h. It, as it were, 
rifeth out of the earth. How extremely weak, frail, and 
fleeting ! how tolled to and fro with the lead breath of 
divine providence ! How quickly it expires, almoft as 
foon as it exifts ! 

19. It is compared to a shadow i. O its emptinefs 

« Psal. xxxiv, 5. APslxc^. c Psal. xc, 5. d Jobxx 8. 

*Jjbvi',7. /J^b vii. 6. £-Jobvii,9. b James iv, 14. 

i Eccl. viii, 1 j. 



Of metaphors respecting opportunities of good. 399 
and uncertainty ! how quickly it goetb away, and never 
returns ! I hear of a time to be bom, and a time to die ; 
but of none to live. Why, Lord, mould i then boaft 
thereof? 

20. It is called nothings. It bears no proportion to 
the eternity of God ; nor to the future eternity of men. 
Be thou, O time, as nothing in mine eye; let eternity- 
be all in all. Look not, my foul, at the things which 
are feen, which are temporal ; but at the things which 
are not feen, which are eternal. 

CHAP. XII. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING OPPORTUNITIES OF OBTAIN- 
ING GOOD. 

1. OPPORTUNITY, or the feafon of God's doing 
\rf- much for a perfon or people, and giving them 
eminent accefs to receive his benefits, is called an hour 
b. Its period and duration are precifely fixed of God. 
O how fhort, when compared with eternity ! And, at 
our endlefs hazard, do we lofe a moment thereof, in va- 
nity or wickednefs. 

2. It is called a day c. How fixed and fliort ! only 
during the continuance thereof, the fun of profperity, or 
of facred infpiration, mines upon us. When the mercy 
fignaliy commences, is its morning; when at its greateft 
brigl.tnefs, is its noon ; when at its finiming point, is 
its evening. Ah, how is the day of gofpel opportunity 
detefted by multitudes, who hate its light, becaufe their 
deeds are evil! How oft is it beftormed with trouble and 
perfecution ! and beclouded with the rife of error and 
delufion ! When it draws to a period, how the warming 
influence of the Sun of righteoufnefs and his word a- 
bates ! what ihadows of error, ignorance, and empty 
forms of religion increafe ! what faithful, laborious, and 
fiuning miniiters, are cut off, and fucceeded by naughty 
ones! What dewy drops of divine judgment, fuiritual 

a Psal, xxxix, 5. b John v, 25. *Kcb, Hi, 7, 



40© SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

and temporal, begin to fall ! What fpiritual droufinefs ! 
what cooling and abatement of love to God, and to one 
another ! what wearinefs of religious exercife and fpi- 
ritual watchiulnefs takes place J What contentious and 
bloody appearance do fhowy profeffors, thefe empty 
clouds, make in the church ! What mountains of guilty 
offences and feparation interpofe between us and our all- 
glorious Sun! How gradually the light of knowledge and 
truth decreafes ! how the windows of divine ordinances 
are fhut, and difregarded as ufelefs ! How eminent faints, 
thefe birds of paradife, drop their notes, and retire to 
their heavenly reft! and profane owls, and other doleful 
creatures, men wicked and erroneous, boldly appear ! 
To thefe tokens, what fearful night of wo fucceeds ! 
When Jefus our bleffed Sun withdraws himfelf, how 
bulks the moon-like world in cur heart ! flarry mini- 
fters, with their artificial light of gifts and modes, are all 
in all. How fall thefe flars, and become earthly, fenfual, 
devilifh! What deceitful pretenders, as blazing meteors 
fly ! What dark ignorance ; what bemiiiing dilution ; 
what works of wickednefs abound ! What idle (loth ; 
what ftill ftupidity ; what w T andering and ftumbling pre- 
vail ! How uiiufed and ineffectual the gUfs of God's 
word! how bolted mens hearts to Jefus the Lord ! O my 
foul, while it is called to-day, hear his voice; harden 
not thine heart. Now is the accepted time ; now is the 
day of falvation. Ah! the day is far fpent, the night 
cometh, wherein no man can work. In Zion, a night 
is come; behold it is come. 

3. It is called a morning and day- break a. How 
pleafant, and for a time growing, the Qiine of providen- 
tial fmiles or fcripture-light ! How refrefliful the falling 
dew of God's favour, word, and Spirit 1 How kindly 
blow the cooling breezes, the north wind of conviction, 
and fouthern gaie-j of heavenly comfort ! How boldly 
walk abroad the children of God, and early feek after 
him ; while as afhamed, the wicked hide themfelves in 
obfeurity, or put on mafks of diflimulation ! 

4, It is compared to ft tPRiNG-TiBE b. Therein Jefus 
the Sun of righteoufnefs approacheth to us, in the offer 

« ha, xxx, 12, k Song ii, u«— 13. 



0/ ?mtaphors refpcctlng opportunities of gs®d+ 40! 
and influence of his grace. Saints, thofc fragrant 'aal 
beautiful trees of rigliteouinefs, grow and rlouriih. The 
favoury and medicinal flowers" of grace and hciinefa 
fpriog up in their heart and lite. How fweetly the 
Holy Ghoft the celeilial turtle, befpeaks our heart in the 
ordinances of the gofpel! howfweetly the redeemed birds 
of paradife flag forth the excellencies of redeeming lovef 
j Bit fled period, when the wiuter-cifptniatlon of Jewifk 
ceremonies was fmilhed \ when ihoufaiida at once were 
gathered to their rifen Lord j had their heart melted' 
with his love ; their darknefs and lhadows banifked j and 
were made to blofTom as the role, and bring forth fruit 
uuto God ! BleiTed period, when the winter cold and 
florins, the floods, barrennefs, and darknefs of Heathen 
and Popiik abominations ; of general fecurity and uncon- 
cern ,; or of legal fears of divine wrath, or awful feeling 
of his rod, are removed and rmimedi 

5. It is compared to a summer a. How comely, fra-* 
grant, fro u riming, and tfTeelive profefibrs, aad ordi- 
nances, then appear ! How fait the redeemed and their 
graces ripen for the harvefl of death, and the wicked 
with their fins for eridlefa mini This, this, my foul, is 
the principal feafon of time. In it work out thy fa!- 
vation with fear and trembling. Work the work of GccJ 
by believing on his Son; or, at the end, be expokd to 
everlaiting fhariie and contempt. 

6. It is compared to a harvest b. How plainly cal- 
culate to relieve (larving Tinners wiih fpiiituai provi&on! 
How actively ought every man to beftir himfelf in faith 
and holinefsl How carefully is every moment of it to be 
feized and improven! Ghrift's faithful labourers beinor 
few, how oft, efpecialiy when an apprehended Horn* 
renders them more earneit to gather iinners to Jefus, 
ere it break, is their work heavy and laborious ! In dif- 
ferent periods, how different the appearance and dur«» 
tion of this opportunity! How oft, in this harvell, is 
the increafe much fmalier than was at fir ft expe&ed ! 
If I waile it in vanity and floth, what Itarving winter of 
unceaiing vengeance awaits me ! 

7. It is called a year ; and the year of God's redeem* 

a Prov, vl t x, 5. b Matth, ix, 37, 

lu 1 



402 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

eda. Every circumftance thereof is regularly fixed in 
the purpofe of God ; and various are his appearances 
therein. Now he caufes his chofen to walk through win- 
ter, trouble, darknefs, and perplexity; anon the fpring- 
tide from on high viiits them. Now they balk under the 
fummer-rays of the Sun of righteoufnefs ; anon they are 
cut down, and gathered to the heavenly garner. O the 
wonders of love, grace, and mercy, therein wrought for 
God's redeemed, in purchafing, exhibiting, and applying 
redemption to them i Lift up thine head, my foul, thefe 
honoured periods of time are but the beginning of 
months. The everiafiing day and year of my redemp- 
tion draweth nigh. 

N. JB. Moil of the emblems in this chapter might be 
particularly applied to the apoftoiic, the reformation, 
and the millennial period of the church in general; or 
to the particular feafcn cf fpiritual deliverance, to a 
perfon or land. 



CHAP. XIII. 

Or METAPHORS RESPECTING DEATH. 

I. ]T\EATH is called the king of terrors b. Re- 
-■— / lentlefsly and irrefiftibly, and as at plealure, it 
cuts cff mankind, fmall and great, poor and rich. What 
a terror to mighty potentates ! to bold mifcrtants ! and 
not feldcm to tender faints! The gates cf death are near 
approaches to it. The full born of death is a fringed or 
painful exit, exhibiting or importing a double portion of 
its force or terror. If de?th feize me unprepared, there 
remaineth nothing but a fearful looking for of judgment, 
and fiery indignation. What though, through ignorance, 
fiupiciity, and fell- conceit, 1 mould have no bands there- 
in, I launch foi th into eternal fire! I fall into the hands 
of an angry God ! I leap blindfold into the horrors of 
damnation! But, am I in Chi lit ? Return then,0 death, 
that 1 may look upon thee; where is now thy tenor and 
thy ftihg*? To rnc, how deep dipt ! how richly deekt in 
a ha, Ixiii, 4* b Job xviii, 14. 






Of metaphors respecting d:ath* 4© J. 

blood divine ! Sweet angel ol my Father's love, fent to 
convey me to his arms ! Tailing a Saviour's love, I 
could launch fucceffive fouls, fall as the moments fly. 

2. It is compared to a wolf a. How it preys upon 
mankind; cuts them off; and conligns their bodies to the 
grave, to be the prey of vermin ! 

3. It is called a warfare b. With what arrows of 
pain and fear, he attacks mankind ! With what per- 
plexity, what ftruggling of nature, they ufe to oppofe it! 
Nor is there any difcharge in this warfare, no efcaping 
of death. It is appointed for men once to die, and after 
that the judgment. Boldly war, my foul ; it is with a 
conquered foe. 

4. It is called a departure c. By it we leave out- 
worldly friends, and Hations ; and enter into the unfeen 
(late of endlefs mifery or happinefs We leave out" 
younger and equals on earth ; and are gathered to our 
fathers; you ranfomed, to Abraham, Ifaac, and Jacob; 
nay, to God the Judge of all, and to Jefus the Mediator 
of the new covenant ; and you wicked, to your father 
the devil, and his angels. Chiefly in old age, the pro- 
grefs of this exit is as follows : the hand:- and arms, thefe 
keepers of the houfe, become weak, and tremble; the 
once llrong legs bow themfelves, and bend under the 
weight of the bodyj the teeth, which grind and bruife 
our food, rot, fall out, and lofe their power of chewing; 
the eyes, which as it were look out at windows, become 
dim and darkened; the jaws clofe ; the voice and breath 
become fo low, as to be fcarce difcernible ; foundnefs of 
fleep ceafes, every thing dillurbs it ; the ears become 
dull % nor does any ability or relifh for mulic remain ;, 
the flighteM labour becomes difficult and terrible ; every 
thing, though light as a grafliopper, is a burden ; at lait 
the nerves fhrink ; the veins, the arteries, the brain, and 
even the heart, that fountain of life, forbears to circu- 
late the blood, the vital juice. Thus man goath to his 
long home, the grave ; and where is he! 

5. It is compared to sowing of feed d. By it our bo- 
dies are reduced to the earth ; and after a proper inter- 

« Psa], xlix, 14, b Ecc], vvi, 8. 

e Phil, i, 23, JEcc^xii, J,— 6. d 1 Cojj xv, 36. 

Ll2 



4C4 SACKED TROPOLOGY. 

Tal, fhall they be raifed up in the refurrection ; then, 
3 T ou faints (hall flourifh as an herb, and the earth fhall 
c^ft out her dead. 

6 It is reprefented as the dissolving of a houfe or 
tent a. Therein the earthly tabernacle of our bodies 
are, and often gradually, demoliihed ; and what pain and 
fear oft attend the downfal ! Ah ! how many have this- 
honfe falling about their ears, while they know not whi- 
ther to go ! have no houfe eternal in tire heavens ! 

7. It is compared to a flood b. Gradually, fpeedily, 
violently, irrefiftibly, and often to their great terror, it 
carries men into the ocean of .eternity. Ah how 
many hive their fafidy foundation, their ill founded hopes 
cf everlaiTing happintfs, overturned by it, and are carri- 
ed into the depths of bell ! Blefftd Jefus, thou art 
my fure hope; n.o floods of death, no gates of hell, can 
prevail againft thee • thou halt fwallowed up death in 
victory. 

8. 3r is compared to rest c. It flnifhes mens en- 
terprises j makes them ceafe from their worldly employ; 
End how fweet and refrefhing to the labouring faint! 
Iiaft.-n, my foul, to this reft, that the Lord may deal 
bountifully with thee. Thrice eafy death i thrice eafy 
grave, if I lie in his arms ! There fhall I reft from my 
£n, my burden, my labour; there fhall every wicked 
one cesife from troubling, and tofTed I, as a fhip at anchor, 
J lent reft. 

9. It is compared to sleep d. Thereby the bodies of 
the faints reft in hope, while their fouls are occupied in 
the high praifes of our God ; the bodies of the wicked 
reft from labour in the prifon of the grave, while their 
fouls are tormented in hell. Lo ! how thefe die in the 
midft of their work ! thofe not till it be ended! Thefe, 
fore sgainft their will ! thofe, cheerfully ! Thefe, multi- 
tudes, on the brink of Tophet ; thofe, in Jefus' arms, 
far from danger. None fhall for ever continue under the 
power of death, but in the refurrec~tion be awakened; 
iome to everlailing life, and fome to everlafting fh-ajne* 
and contempt. 

a 2 Cor, v. r. b Ptr&i xc, 5. 

c J <;b. rii. 13, 17. 4 1 I htes. iv, 14. 



i 



Of metaphors respecting Weath, 405 

10. It is compared to darkness a. It hides men 
from the view of the world. And ah what terror, per- 
plexity, and confufion often attend it ! How many it con- 
veys to infernal andutter-darknefs, where there is weep- 
ing, wailing, and gnaftiing of teeth ! 

ii. It is compared to silence b. Itflnimes our con- 
verfe with men ; hufhes all our noife and buftJe on 
earth ; makes oar remembrance to ceafe in this world. 
My foul, be now filent before the Lord ; be ftili and 
know that he is thy God : fo {hall I with joy defcend to 
the houfe of filence. When death has loft his Hing 9 
how kind ! how foft his cold embrace ! how gladly would 
I rum into his arms ! 

12. The death of the wicked is reptefented as a 
driving or hurling away c. How violently, involun- 
tarily, and with infinite danger, are they forced from 
their prefent enjoyments, and furioufly caft into ever- 
lading damnation ! and ah, driven away in their wicked-- 
nefs, reigning in them, and charged upon them, to fuffer' 
fche vengeance of eternal fire I 

^^^•^(^ *~**- ^- 
CHAP. XIV. 

QE METAPHORS RESPECTING THE RESURRECTION. 

I. HT^HE refurrection is compared to a morning, and' 
JL day break d. It fucceeds the cold dark night 
of time and death. How much defired and expe£ted by 
watchful faints] What darknefs of carnal fecurity will 
immediately precede it! With what Unking tokens will 
it be ufhered in ! What full difcovery it will make of 
our thoughts, words, and deeds ! How undefired and ter- 
rible to wicked angels and men! how gladly would they 
hide themfelves, and flock to their dens ; but cannot! 
How brightly mail Jefus our eternal Sun arife in the 
clouds ! How alertly {hall mankind leap from their fe- 
pulchral beds ! How fweetly ling the faints, thefe birds 

a Job x, 21. bin. xv. 1. c Prov. xiv. 32. 

d Psal. xlix. 14. Song ii. 17. 

L13 



4^6 SACRSD TROPOLOGY. 

redeeneil! HoW glorious the afpe£l of the earth ! How 
"Wide our profpeft, from eternity to eternity ! Watch for 
it, my foul, more than they that watch fof the morning. 

2. h h compered to an awakening out of deep a. 
Xhen (hall the loud trumpof God rouze the nations from 
the ileep of death ; caufe them arife and come to judg- 
ement. T«en (li all every dream of error and vain ima- 
gination appear, in their emptinefs and vilenefs. Then 
ihill mankind be ftruck with univerfal concern. Then 
fh -ill fome awake with joy and gladnefs; others with 
trembling and horror. How precious, O Jefus, are the 
thoughts hereof to my foul ! for what time foever I 
awake, I (hall be with thee: I mall behold thy face in 
xighteoufnefs, and be falisfied with thy likenefs. How 
oft I now awake with nought, but fin, but earth, in all 
xny thoughts ! But then my faults, my lulls, mail wake 
no more. I mall waken full of glory, full of God. 
Hark, my foul, the trumpet founds, Arife, my love, 
Jtry fair one, and come away, 

3. It is comp ired to the reviving and flourishing 
of vegetables in the fpring b. O the then blefTed in- 
fluence of the Sun of righteoufnefs ! His vifage is no 
more marred ; nor his virtue intercepted. Not one be- 
wintered carelefs heart is in creation found ; thoufands 
long dead, now revive, fpring up, and appear in their 
proper form How Jefus, and his flowery nations, deck 
the earth I how oar bones fhall flourim as an herb ! no 
more fhall his temple, our body, lie withered, and in 
rains ; but rife in the fuperexceeding bloom of beauty, 
like unto his glorious bo.iy. 

4. It is compared to the quickening of very dry 
bones c. By the breath of the Almighty, fhall the dry 
dud, the rotten carcafes, and withered bones of all gene- 
rations, be, with divine care, collected, each particle to 
its proper body, quickened, re-animated, brought out of 
their graves, and filled at the judgment-feat of Chrift. 
May 1 now have part in the fir ft refurreclion, that over 
me the fecond death may have no power. May I, like 
Jefus, be declared a fonof God with power, in my refur- 
rection from the dead. 

« Dun x'u. 1. b Isa xxvi. 19. ( Ezek. xxxvjj. 1,-14. 



Of metaphors respecting the day of judgment. 4^7 
CHAP. XV. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 

I. HP HE feafon of the laft judgement is called a day a. 
-*• It is a divinely fixed period. What amazing 
difcoveries of God's perfections, purpofes, and word ; 
and of the difpoiitions, itates, and lives, of angels and 
men, mall then be made ! What important and extenfive 
work mall thereon be performed ! the dead mall be 
raifed, the living changed, the world judged ; the wick- 
ed mall depart into everlafling punimmenr, and the 
righteous into life eternal ; the earth, and the works 
therein, mall be burnt up ! O great day, honoured with 
the appearance of the great God ! O great centre of e- 
ternity ! great joy of faints, great terror of reprobates ! 
O dark, gloomy, and terrible day to the wicked ! What 
lively bright horror mall ftare through their eye-lids ! 
What fcreams to the hills and mountains mail proceed 
from their now prayerlefs lips ! for the great day of his 
wrath is come ; and who mall be able to fland ! 

2. It is compared to a reaping time ; a hahvest- 
DAY#. What great and important bufinefs mail be done 
thereon ! How univerfally mall all nations be gather- 
ed, and fettled on a new bottom ! How eompleatly mall 
die wicked be feparate from the righteous I and by 
multitudes caft into hell fire, to reap the fruit of their 
wickednefs ! With what enrapturing pleafure and 
gladnefs mall the redeemed reap the fruit of Jehovah's 
promifes, and receive the all-gracious reward of every 
good work ! How triumphantly mall they enter into 
God's barn of everlafling glory and reft ! It is thine, O 
Jefus, and thine, Q faint, to go forth weeping, bearing 
precious feed, and to return rejoicing, bringing your 
fheaves with you. Go, my foul, into the houfe of mour- 
ning, rather than the houfe of mirth ; they that fow in 
tears, mall reap in joy. 

3. It is compared to a day of assize or account c. 

$ l Pit, Hi, io, b Mafth, xiii, 39. c Matth. xxv ; 30,-— 46, 

Rev, xx, j i, 15. 



^ 8 SACRD TROPOLOGY. 

Pompoufly then (Kail Jefus our appointed judge fit down 
on his awful bench, call, and in proper order fift before 
him all nations, and exhibit the mofl exadt reprefenta- 
tion of their cafe. The faints acquitted, fha}l be his af- 
fefTors in judging others ; the wicked fhall be arraigned, 
and their guilt fully evinced. Then every thought, 
word, and deed, of the children of men, muff be account- 
ed for; and upon clear manifeflationof their ftate and 
conducl, fhall juft fentence and immediate execution pro- 
ceed. Great judge, I kifs my lips that I can give a 
right anfwer ; It was exacted, and thou anfweredfl it : 
all my faults were thine. 

4. It is compared to a marriage- day a. After 
fpiritual betrothing in the counfel of peace, and in effec- 
tual calling ; after extenfive preparation, and abundant 
longing for the event, fhall Jefus, with all his ranfomed, 
in the highelt rapturee of joy and love, in all the pomp 
of glorious apparel, before angels and men, be folemnly 
declared efpoufed one to another ; and in confluence 
thereof, forever obtain the mofl fplendid feaft, on all the 
fulnefs of God, on the new wine of everlafting love, and 
the mutual enjoyment of one another* Write on thy 
heart, my foul. BlefTed are they which are called to the 
marriage fupper of the Lamb. O when fhall the union 
of mingled elements be diflblved, that my relation to 
Jefus may be all in all ! 

5. It io compared to a day of coronation and tri- 
umph b. The enemies of Chrifl and his people now ful- 
ly fubdued, he fhall publicly appear, wearing his many 
crowns of glory and honour ; and oblige his foes to con- 
fefs his universal and rightful authority. Thus fhall it 
be done to the man whom God, whom my foul delight- 
eth to honour. Then fhall you, redeemed, be divinely 
proclaimed kings and priefts unto God, and with joy 
and thouting, crowned with endlefs glory, life, and right- 
eoufnefs. Run, my foul, to receive this incorruptible 
crown. In fighting the good fight of faith, be thou faith- 
ful unto the death, and he fhall give thee a crown of life. 
O how my heart fprings forth to meet his burning cha- 
riot wheels, and longs to fee creation all in a flame ! 

• Rev. xix, 7. Psal, xlv, 13, 14, b 2 Tim. iv, 8. 



Of metaphors respecting this world. 40^ 

CHAP. XVI. 

OF METAPHORS RESPECTING THIS WORLD, 

I. r I "HE world is compared to a woman~ a. Its afto- 
-*■ niftiment and grief, denote the fearful wicked- 
nefs committed, or judgments executed therein ; its 
groaning and travailing in pain and expectation of the 
glorious liberty of the fons of God, mark hew dread- 
fully the irrational creatures are abufed by finners, and 
how they fuffer for our fake. Their clapping hands, 
ihouting, finging, or rejoicing, denote the glorious 
■works of God done on earth, and the abundant reafon 
faints have to exprefs their joy and gladnefs. 

2. It is compared to a sea b. Therein, what noife, 
difquiet, diforder, and danger prevail ! What rocks ! 
what whirlpools! what fnares abound! what multi- 
tudes of un reafon able men live and devour one another! 
O the ftorms that blow thereon, and daily waih out its 
inhabitants, upon the more of eternity ! What mire 
and dirt it daily cafts forth ! What ebbing and flowing 
of our circumftances therein ! It is but a dead fea. Its 
human inhabitants are dead in trefpaffes and fins ; nor 
can all its enjoyments be one morfel, to a living, a 
heavenly foul. 

3. It is compared to a wilderness c. How folitary, 
deltitute of the comfortable prefence of God ! How bar- 
ren, affording nothing to nourifti or refrefh our foull 
How dangerous, the mod pleafant, inviting places and 
conditions, refembling Lebanon, Araana, Shenir, and 
Hermon, are but lions dens, and mountains of leopards; 
the lodging of Satan, and his deflructive fnares and a- 
gents. How oft thunder- ftruck and beftormed with the 
judgments of God ! How devoid of a right way to hap. 
pinefs ! and filled with falfe and dangerous paths ! How 
overfpread with briers and thorns of wicked men, and of 
finful entanglements ! How bemifled with fogs of igno- 
rance perplexity, delufioa and crimes ,! How unfettled, 
« Rom. viii, 19,—- 22. Psal.xcvi, u 12. b Matth. Xiii, 47. 

c Song viii, $ v 



^10 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

troubled, and fearful their cafe, who dwell therein ! and 
have it for their portion ! Bieffed be the Lord, who 
hath caufed rivers cf gofpel ordinances and influences, 
to break out in the wildernefs, and ftreams in thedefartj 
hath therein planted his ranfomed trees of righteoufnefs; 
hath opened a high way, a way -of holinefs, Jefus and 
his law, for the redeemed to walk in ; hath caufed an 
handful of corn, a little of his word fown on tops of 
mountains, upon moil unpromifing places, and perfons, 
to bring forth abundance of good fruit ; hath built a city 
whofe citizens abound ; and who will make the wilder- 
nefs to bloflbm as the rofe ; to pofTefs the excellency of 
Carmel and Sharon ; the whole earth being filled with 
the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the fea. 

4. It is compared to a field a. How extenfive and 
large its boundaries ! What perfons and things, moll 
diverfiiicd in form and circumftance, grow up therein i 
How intermixed are faints and (inners ! Jehovah owns 
and infpe&s it ; many ufeful providences and ordinance 
he beftows upon the people thereof; and at lail reaps it 
by death and judgment. How expofed to inroads of Sa- 
tan ! Ye faints, it is your field of battle, where you 
war with the dragon, and fight with principalities and 
powers. Any part cf it being rendered a portion of 
foxes, a habitation of dragons, of wild or folitary beafls, 
or a place of breeding of thorns and nettles, denotes, that 
it is bereaved of its human inhabitants and turned into 
a defart. 

5. It is compared to an inn b. Here we have no con- 
tinuing city, no fixed property. One generation cometh, 
and another goeth away. H,xpe<5t nothing in it my foul, 
but mere neceffaries ; having food and raiment, let me 
be therewith content. 

a Matth. *iii, 38,-43, b Eccl, i, 4. 



Of metaphors respecting the state of glory, Csfc. 41 1 
CHAP. XVII. 

• F METAPHORS RESPECTING THE STATE OF GLORY IN 
HEAVEN. 

I. |T is called an inheritance a. We receive it, not 
A as purchafers thereof by any work of ours, but as 
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Chrifc ; as the fons 
and daughters of Jefus, who purchafed it with his blood. 
And oh all-comprehending, pleafant, incorruptible, and 
undefined inheritance of the faints in light, wherein we 
inherit all things ! ane filled with all the fulnefs of God ! 
enjoy Godhead, in the face and perfon of Jefus Chrift, 
to the utmoft ftreaches of our wiih ! Will God in every 
deed make me, an unmatched heir of wo, meet to be a 
partaker of the glory of this inheritance in the faints ! 
Was it purchafed with the blood ; is it diipontd in the 
teftament, and ratified to me by the death of the Son of 
God ! Has he by his interceffion, fued out my right to 
it ! Has he, by his Spirit, infeoffed me therein! 

2. The heavenly ftate is called a better country h. 
O its vail extent' O its rich product ! its manifold ac- 
commodations ! its unnumbered inhabitants ! Nor fin, 
nor Satan, nor trouble, nor any bad thing of this world, 
is there found; but every thing good is for ever enjoyed 
in its higheft perfection ! There God mail he our fole 
monarch; Jefus our fole iriinifter of rule and direction; 
divine perfons, holy angels, and juil men made perfect, 
our fole companions ; Jefus' palace and throne, our only 
refidence ; Jehovah's everlafting fulnefs and love, our 
fole fountain and fea; the divine Spirit, with his immor- 
tal joys, our only rivers and ilrearxis ; Jefus our ever- 
prei'ent, all-aeceflible,and all-bearing tree of life; ;*n Mail- 
ed, ten thoufand-fold glory, our only crop; God and the 
Lamb our only light, our unclouded, our uhfettling fun; 
the un vailed face of an incarnate God, our onij oracle 
and ordinance; God in him, our only pioviiion, our only 
treafure ! full conformity to Gpd, our conltant atuin- 

a Acts xxvi, 18. b Heb. xi. 16. 



4^ 2 SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

merit, our common afpedt ; baiking in the rajs of hh 
love, and rapturous acclamations of praife, our on] j em- 
ploy; divine righteoufnefs, brighter! glory, denoting pu- 
rity, victory, peace, and priefthood, our white, our only 
raiment; endlefs honour, life and righteoufnefs, our un- 
toitering crown. O happy land, where is no ficknefs, 
for row, pain, death, or curfe ! but holinefs ieigns, felici- 
ty overflows, and God is all in all! Am I to be for ever 
there! Are thefe eyes, intent on vanity and vilenefs, for 
ever to fee God as he is ! my God, and mine exceeding 
joy ! Are thefe feet, fwift to filed blood, for ever to fol- 
low the Lamb whitherfover he goeth ! Is this mouth, 
full of curling and bitternefs, for ever to be filled with 
the high praifes of him that loved me, and gave himfejf 
for me ! Is this heart, filled with all un righteoufnefs, to 
be for ever extended and filled with all the falnefs of God! 
Am I, altogether as an unclean thing, to lie for ever in 
the immediate embraces of Godhead, and be perfect as 
my Father which is in heaven is perfect ! 

3. The heavenly ftate of glory is compared to a king- 
dom ; a palace, and throne a. Here Jehovah, Jefus, 
and his ranfomed ones, in their proper order, for ever 
reign ! angels are the honorary retinue; they and faints 
the celeftial hefts ! Perfect holinefs in every will, is the 
law ; unceafing hofannas, the mirth. Here God, the 
univerfal monarch is immediately enjoyed ; the victo- 
ries of his iove for ever celebrate ; and his unfearcha- 
ble riches laid out to common ufe. Here, for ever 
reign inexprefilLde glory, honour, harmony, order, peace, 
and liberty ; and Al things and perfons are filled with 
God, as their all in all The face of God's throne 
is the vifible heaven, which as a curtain vails from mor- 
tals the unfeen glory thereof. 

4. It is called a city which hath foundations ; and 
the new Jerusalem b. How divinely built ! How .a£- 
toniiliing its order, compactnefs, comelinefs, fafety, go- 
vernment, and privileges! How numerous, and joined 
in love, the inhabitants .' God and his falvation are the 
precious, durable, and defend ve wall thereof. His per- 

a James ii, 5, I\al. x!v, 13, 14, Isa, jxvi, 1. b Heb, xi, 10, 

Rev. xxi. 



Of metaphors respecting the heavenly stale. 41- 
fe&ions, purpofes, and the perfon and office of his Son, 
as exhibited by the apoftles, are the twelve jeweliy 
foundations thereof. Chrilt, the pearl of great price, 
es preached to ali the ends of the earth, is the twelve 
gates thereof. Its fourfquare form denotes the felf- 
confiltency, comelinefs, and duration thereof. God's 
perfections and purpofes are the fupporting golden pave- 
ment thereof ; and the faints bolinefs is the pavement 
they, by undervaluing, tread under their feet. God and 
the Lamb are the fun, light, and temple thereof. The 
fea of glafs, mingled with lire before the throne, is Je^ 
fus' bleeding love, his heart inflaming and fupporting 
nghteoulnefs. The feven lamps before the throne, and 
the river of life, clear as cryftal, proceeding out of it, 

ar r t ^ Holj Gh ° ft * in his diverfl& ^, illuminating, and 
refrefnful influence. The tree of life, on either fide of 
the river, is the every whereprefent Jefus, as the fcurce 
of our happmefs and vigour. Nothing (hail enter into 
it that defileth ; but there divine perfons fit enthroned- 
and thither the tribes of God, the faved nations, go up 
to celebrate their endlefs feftival 5 thither thefe kings 
carry all their glory ; their grace attends, and their good 
works, do follow them. O when fliall I enter in, b T 
the gates, into the city. " J 

5. It is called paradise, and compared to the garden 
Eden a. Divinely planted, it "affords all things 
good for food, and pleafant to the eye. Here is JefuL 
the Rofe of Sharon, and Lily of the valley, the Plant 
Of renown, the unfoibidden tree of knowledge/ and un- 
guarded tree of life. Here runs the bleflld river of. 
life, that for ever refrefnes and ravifhes angels and men- 
Here flourish all the promifes, and all the ranfemed 
plants of the Lord. Here no ferpents lurk; there is 

L°/n Tl ?ft ?r' il And we are ***«« fpot 
and blemifh, faultlefs before the p* efence of God, with 
exceeding joy. This is my reft, here will I flay, for f 
have defi red it. J * 

hh lt ' S ^ refented as a house eternal, not made with 

furnttl T A GARNER , 6 - DiV ' mel y Creaed ^ fram€d * 

iurmfhed, and prepared, it endures for ever, and com' 
Mm 



4*4 SACKED TROFOLO0Y. 

prebends the moft abundant fafety, fecrecy, glory, and 
happinefs. Thither wilt thou, O Jefus, tranfport all 
thy good wheat, thy ranfomed friends, andpreferve them 
uncorrupted, ravifhed, and comely. 

7. It is called a treasure a. How in conceivably 
rich and valuable ! in time how unknown I But how 
comprehenfive ! how fupporting ! emboldening ! and 
heart- attracting to him who hath it ! My foul, covet 
earnestly this beft thing ; dig for it more than for hid 
treafures : and where my treafure is, fecured by the 
promife, by the care of Jehovah, there let my heart be. 

8. It is reprefented as peace and rest b. O the 
profound and unceafing quiet thereof! Peace, harmony, 
and love, reign in every breaft. Here the covenant of 
peace, and its reftful bleflings, are enjoyed in the high- 
eft perfection . Toilfome labour is no more; but our 
endlefs employ of contemplation, love, wonder, and 
praife, is unmixed pleafure. Here want is neither felt 
nor feared ; no foe is to contend with, or danger to come 
near. But the work of Jefus' righteoufnefs is peace, 
and the effect of it quietnefs and aflurance* for ever. 
His people mail dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in 
quiet refting-places. Haften, my foul, to this reft, that j 
remaineth for the people of God, for the Lord fhall deal 
bountifully with thee. 

9. The heavenly felicity is called glory; and an 
exceeding weight of glory c> O its brightnefs and 
dazzling excellency ! What glory is within ! what glory 
on ! and what glory all around us ! "W bat views of God 
in his brightnefs ! of Jefus in the glory that the Father 
hath given him ! How mall we be wrapt up, and trans- 
formed into glory, when our vile body is made like to 
his glorious body ; when the Lord is our everlafting 
light, and our God our glory ! Stop, my foul ; floods 
of glory check my thought ; bright rays of holinefs, of 
wifdom, of juftice and mercy, beat fweet confufion on 
my view ! O how contrary to, and exceeding, our de- 
lerts ! how far it exceeds our prefent hopes and concepJ 
tions ! Nor, without tranfcending addition to ouj 
flrength, could we fubfift under its ravifhing pleafuri 

a Matth, vi. 20. b Jsa. Ivii, 2. Ueb, iv, 9, c 2 Cor,iv, A 



Of nfetaplors respe&ing hell. 41 5 

and brightnefs ! My God is it this, my afflicYions work 
for me ! fend me then, as many, and as heavy as thou 
wilt. 

10/ It is called the joy of the Lord a. There God 
is the matter of our joy ; and our gladnefs approacheth 
as near as poffible to his. With what tranfporting plea- 
fure, mail we think of the hell we have efcaped ! of the 
troubles and temptations we have overcome ! of the 
holinefs and everlafling felicity we have obtained ! With 
what pleafure mail we behold our blefTed companions, 
and hear the uneeaiing hallelujahs ! With what joy mall 
we recount the deeds, and behold the glory of our Days- 
man, that miracle of wonders ! that compend of all 
things ! that beauty, honour, and triumph ! nay, 
ECLipser of the glor}' of creation ! that marrow of our 
love ! life of our joys ! fountain of our comfort ! 
and centre of our hearts ! that ravishment of angels 
and men! that delight of Jehovah ! and brightness 
of the Father's glory ! that everlafling excellency and 
joy of all generations. O could my foul leap ouf, and 
drop her duller clay ! icarce mould a harp above aim at 
a fweeter fong. Hofanna to the Son of David ; Hofan- 
na ia the hightft. 



CHAP. XVIIL 

OF metaphors respecting hell, 

I. TIT ELL is called a lake that burns with £re and 
J- ■* brimftone b. Here men, like the ancient Sodo- 
mites, are conftitute monuments of divine vengeance, 
Here every power of their foul, every member and fenfe 
of the body, is tormented in the flame! Here, ye children 
of difobedience, mail your lulls for ever rage in defire, 
and nnd nothing to fatisfy them ! no not a dry morfel ! 
no not a drop of water to cool the tip of your tongue. 
When the arrows of the Almighty flick fall in you ; when 
the laihes of confcience torment you ; when devils in- 
fult, and confcience upbraids you, for throwing away 
a Mattb. xxv. 21. h Rev. xx. 10. 

Mm 2 



4 T & SACRED TROPOLOGY. 

your heavenly birthright, your God, and your glory; 
for incurring the vengeance of eternal fire for an empty 
fip of polluted joy ; with what anguifn fhall you bewail 
the infinite, the irrecoverable lofs ! with what horror 
fhall you behold the frowns ! with what envy, hatred, 
and malice, fhall vou tremble under the hand of an angry 
God ! 

2. It is compared to tophet a, a valley near Jerufa- 
lem, where the Jews burnt their children to Molech, 
and the angel flew i8j,o©o Afiyrians in one night. How 
near to the heavenly Jerufalem is the ftate of the damn- 
ed! with what infuriate rage, madnefs, and anguifh, they 
behold the happinefs they once defpifed ! How terrible 
their torment ! how horrid their outcries 1 Ah ! who 
fhall live when the Lord doth this! 

3. It is compared to a burning fiery furnace, that 
cannot be quenched b. How terrible its appearance ! 
How exquifite and univerfai its torments \ how painful 
and penetrating ! And O mocking thought, for ever ! 
Ye linners in Zion be afraid ; let fearfulnefs furprife the 
hypocrites. Who among you (hall dwell with devouring 
fire ! who fhall dwell with everlafting burnings ! While 
there is hope, flee, flee from the wrath to come. New is 
the accepted time ; now is the day of falvation. God 
having raifed up his Son Jefus, fends him to blefs you, 
in turning you from your iniquities. But if he is re- 
jected, how fhall every offer of him, like oil, enrage the 
flames upon you, and, like ferpents, for ever, inwardly 
iting you ! 

4. It is compared to a frison c. Here tranfgrefTors 
are for ever fhut up to the fury of Almighty God ; are 
expofed to the moft ihocking difgrace and contempt; fink 
under guilt and condemnation ; have no reft, day nor 
night, but are tormented with the devil and his angels. 
You minions of gaiety, confider the ifTue of your mad- 
nefs ; for ever, if mercy prevent not, God's unmixed 
wrath fhall be your drink, your food ; the howlings of 
the damned your mufic ; enraged ficads your infeparable 
companions. 

« Isa, XXX. 33. Matth. v. 22. Cr. A Matth. xiii. 41. t 1 Pet, Hi, 19. 



€)f metaphors respecting hell. 417 

5. It is called a bottomless pit a. How inconceiva- 
bly dreadful and durable is the mifery thereof ! Amid 
what inexpreffible conflernation and defpair, do its in- 
habitants for ever link into deeper fcenes of torment and 
wo ! 

6. It is reprefented as utter darkness; and black- 
ness of darkness b. In it there is no glimmering of 
patience, mercy, or hope; but endlefs wickednefs, per- 
plexity, anguim, torment, and terror. Kifs now, my 
foul, the Son of God, left he be angry, and I perifh from 
the way. 

7. It is compared to a storm c. O the violence, ir- 
reiiitiblenefs, and unfupportablenefs of divine wrath, 
raining upon them fnares, fire brimflone, and an horri- 
ble tempefl ! Ah! how their fouls tremble at the thun- 
der claps of vengeance ! and are tofTed by the fury of the 
Almighty ! 

8. Infernal torments are compared to SALT d. Ah ! 
how painful, penetrating, and permanent ! How power- 
fully are the damned fupported in exigence under them! 
How exquifite their fenfation thereof! Butitop 5 myfoul, 
apart thefe doleful ideas ; how great his love who bare 
my hell for me! Shed abroad in my heart, let it be a 
killing fait to every lull; a confuming lire to every cor- 
ruption. God forbid, that fin mould be my pleafure, or 
my jell, that digged, that kindled, my Saviour's hell of 
wo for me! 

a Rev. ix. 11. h Matth. viii. 12. c Psal. xi. 6. Mark ix." 49. 




Berwick: printed by h. Richardson. 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

nson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township. PA 
(724)779-?m 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 242 127 6 



